A transconjunctival surgical technique for dacryocystotomy in dogs with foreign body-induced dacryocystitis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to describe a simplified, less invasive dacryocystotomy technique that allows for complete inspection of the canine lacrimal sac and to retrospectively evaluate this surgical technique in a larger series of dogs. The anatomical background of the canine nasolacrimal system is described as a basis for the surgical technique. METHODS: Records of dogs from 2003 to 2023 which were diagnosed with dacryocystitis due to presumed foreign body and underwent surgical exploration and removal of foreign bodies within the lacrimal sac using this technique were reviewed. Postoperative treatment and outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: Records of 48 dogs were included. A foreign body was discovered during the surgery or upon retrieval of the catheter in 85% of cases (41/48). An indwelling catheter was placed in 83% of cases (40/48) for a median of 21 days. At the last recheck, the nasolacrimal duct was patent in 87% of the cases (41/47). The median follow-up time was 34 days (3-1255 days). The most commonly affected breeds were Golden retrievers (11) and dachshunds (8). The following complications occurred: two dogs removed or partly removed the catheter themselves (day 7, day 14), and one dog showed marked irritation at the catheter site which had to be removed by day 10. CONCLUSIONS: The transconjunctival dacryocystotomy technique is simple and less invasive than other described techniques with a successful long-term outcome in the majority of cases.

Intracanalicular injection of N-acetylcysteine as adjunctive treatment for sialoceles in dogs: 25 cases (2000-2017).

OBJECTIVE: To describe intracanalicular injection of 10% N-acetylcysteine (IINAC) as adjunctive treatment for sialoceles in dogs. ANIMALS: 25 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES: Hard copy medical records at 2 veterinary ophthalmology practices were searched to identify dogs that underwent IINAC for treatment of sialoceles from January 2000 to December 2017. Signalment, affected salivary gland, clinical signs, duration of signs, other treatments administered, diagnostic tests performed, anesthetic approach, N-acetylcysteine volume administered, complications, follow-up time, and recurrence of sialoceles were recorded. Descriptive statistics were reported. RESULTS: Boxers and mixed-breed dogs were most commonly represented. Subjectively decreased globe retropulsion and conjunctival or periorbital swelling (23/25 [92%] dogs each) were the most common clinical signs, with no vision deficits in any patient. The zygomatic gland was mainly affected (23/25 [92%] dogs), followed by parotid and mandibular glands (1 [4%] dog each). The condition was unilateral in 22 (88%) dogs. Ultrasonography (19/25 [76%] dogs), MRI (14 [56%]), fine-needle aspiration (20 [80%]), and biopsy (4 [16%]) were performed; however, the condition was deemed idiopathic in 22 (88%) dogs. Most IINACs were performed with local anesthesia (median volume, 5 mL/gland; range, 1.5 to 9 mL). No complications were identified. Other treatments included antimicrobials and anti-inflammatories. Mean follow-up time was 18.8 months. All recurrences (5/23 [22%] dogs) were controlled with medical management. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested noninvasive IINAC may be a useful adjunctive treatment for sialoceles in dogs. The procedure was easily and safely performed with local anesthesia (or general anesthesia with concurrent diagnostic imaging) in these dogs.

Radiotherapy for canine chronic superficial keratitis using soft X-rays (15 kV).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of soft X-ray therapy in the treatment of refractory chronic superficial keratitis (CSK). ANIMALS STUDIED: Thirteen dogs with severe CSK, that had been refractory to prior medical and/or surgical therapy were treated with soft X-ray therapy. PROCEDURES: Both corneas of each dog were irradiated with soft X-rays (15 kV), to a total dose of 30 Gy, administered as two fractions over 48-96 h. Treatment was carried out under deep sedation in all dogs. Three dogs were treated by superficial lamellar keratectomy 48 h prior to radiotherapy. Changes in the extent of corneal pigmentation, pigment density and corneal vascularization were documented using a semi-quantitative grading scheme, schematic drawings and clinical photographs. RESULTS: Only minor, transient adverse effects of treatment, such as photophobia, epiphora and blepharitis were noted. Overall the effect of soft X-rays on the course of the keratitis was superior when compared to the effect of Sr-90 irradiation that had been determined in a previous study. CONCLUSION: Soft X-ray irradiation combined with keratectomy is a safe and effective new treatment option for severe and advanced CSK with significant visual impairment due to corneal pathology.

A keratoprosthesis prototype for the dog.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the technique for implantation of a novel keratoprosthesis (KP) prototype and evaluate its application for the treatment of corneal blindness in dogs. ANIMALS STUDIED: Seven dogs, all of them being clinically blind before surgery as a result of severe corneal endothelial disease (5/7) or chronic superficial keratitis (2/7) that were unresponsive to prior therapy. PROCEDURES: A silicone KP was implanted unilaterally, just anterior to Descemet's membrane, after creating a stromal pocket by deep stromal lamellar dissection. RESULTS: Implantation of the KP was accomplished without complication in six of seven operated dogs. In the remaining case, an intra-operative complication (perforation of Descemet's membrane) was associated with extrusion of the KP 8 weeks postoperatively. All operated eyes regained limited vision after surgery. Three to six months after implantation purulent keratitis occurred in all five eyes with endothelial disease, necessitating surgical removal of the KP 6 months postoperatively in 5/7 eyes. CONCLUSIONS: This KP prototype shows promise as a treatment for certain blinding corneal diseases. However, changes in the design of this KP, allowing improved stromal integration, will be necessary before its clinical application can be approved.

Clinical evaluation of pimecrolimus eye drops for treatment of canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca: a comparison with cyclosporine A.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of pimecrolimus oil-based eye drops in alleviating the clinical signs of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in dogs and to compare the efficacy with that of cyclosporine A (CsA) ointment. An open-label, multicenter study enrolling 44 dogs previously untreated with CsA was conducted. Dogs were randomly assigned to a treatment group and medicated twice daily for 8 weeks. After that time the mean increase (+/-SEM) in the Schirmer tear test was 9.2+/-1.6 mm/min in the pimecrolimus group and 5.8+/-1.1 mm/min in the CsA group (P=0.085). The improvement in clinical signs of inflammation in eyes treated with pimecrolimus was significantly greater than in eyes treated with CsA (P=0.02). The results show that 1% pimecrolimus oily eye drops are as safe as and more effective than CsA ointment in controlling KCS in dogs.

Aberrant conjunctival stricture and overgrowth in the rabbit.

Six dwarf rabbits with unilateral (n = 2) and bilateral (n = 4) aberrant conjunctival growth underwent surgical correction. The applied technique involved centrifugal incisions of the overgrowing conjunctiva to the limbus and a transpalpebral fixation of the conjunctiva. In this way the conjunctival fornix was reconstructed. No relapses were noted within the observation period (5-72 months).

Further investigation of the tolerance and mechanical adjustability of the *Acri.Tec AR-1 PC/IOL in rabbit eyes: an intraocular lens with reversibly adjustable optical power.

PURPOSE: To examine the tolerance and mechanical function of an adjustable intraocular lens (IOL) in rabbit eyes. METHODS: Implantation of the *Acri.Tec AR-1 PC/IOL into 14 rabbit eyes. Manipulation of the lens 8 weeks after implantation in order to change the refractive power. Follow-up for up to 5 months. Histopathologic examination of the eyes. RESULTS: Implantation and mechanical adjustment of the PC/IOL were possible. Eyes healed normally. No difference between eyes containing the *Acri.Tec AR-1 PC/IOL and eyes containing the control PC/IOL could be detected with respect to signs of inflammatory reaction, corneal transparency, intraocular pressure and histopathologic appearance. Histopathologic examination of the eyes showed that the *Acri.Tec AR-1 PC/IOL did not cause any damage in rabbit eyes. CONCLUSION: The *Acri.Tec AR-1 PC/IOL is well tolerated in rabbit eyes for extended periods of time, suggesting that this PC/IOL should be well tolerated in the long run. Surgical adjustment of the adjusting element can be performed with little effort several weeks after implantation.

Dacryops in a red-eared slider (Chrysemys scripta elegans): case report.

Clinical and histologic findings of an orbital lacrimal cyst (dacryops) in a 23-year-old-female red-eared slider (Chrysemys scripta elegans) are described. Main ophthalmologic findings included unilateral exophthalmus, engorged episcleral vessels, periocular swelling superior to the globe, incomplete lid closure, and reduced ocular motility. Based on sonographic and cytologic examination of the tissue, the preliminary diagnosis of an orbital cyst was established. After surgical resection of the cystic structure, the eye remained visual but enophthalmic. Histopathologic diagnosis of the resected tissue was interstitial dacryoadenitis.

Conjunctival dermoid in two guinea pigs: a case report.

Clinical and histologic findings of conjunctival dermoids in two unrelated guinea pigs are described. The dermoids were treated surgically by resection with superficial lamellar keratectomy and corneal epithelial debridement. Histologically the dermis underneath a stratified squamous keratinized and variably pigmented epithelium consisted of multiple hair follicles, with clearly visible arrectores pilorum muscles, sebaceous glands and loose vascularized fatty tissue.

[Treatment of keratitis superficialis chronica of the dog with strontium 90]. / Die Behandlung der Keratitis superficialis chronica des Hundes mit Strontium-90.

BACKGROUND: Corneal pannus is a disease which, if untreated, nearly always is progressive and may lead to blindness of the affected dog. A therapeutic standard is yet to be defined. Beta-ray irradiation with Sr-90 is often recommended on a casuistic basis, but systematic studies are sparse. The aim of the present study was to evaluate efficacy and to document side effects of radiotherapy with Sr-90. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 17 animals were treated. 13 of them received treatment of 15 Gy surface dose twice within 2 days with additional medical therapy with ciclosporin and prednisolon. Only the more affected eye was treated with radiation which was applied with an eye-applicator, the other eye served as control. Four animals with already advanced impairment of vision received keratectomy, afterwards radiation was applied on both sides. RESULTS: Medical treatment alone led to deterioration in vascularization and spread of pigmentation in eleven of 13 (85%) of the control-eyes, density of pigmentation increased in eight of 13 (62%). After radiation therapy, almost all animals showed a marked initial improvement. Even if progressive disease occurred later on, further worsening as it happened in the control-eyes could be stopped in nine resp. ten of 13 eyes (69% and 77%). All animals with keratectomy and radiotherapy regained and preserved adequate vision. Besides short-term blepharospasm, no side effects were recorded. CONCLUSION: Corneal pannus is responsive to radiation therapy with Sr-90 and long-term benefit can be achieved. Side effects are minimal. Optimal sequencing of therapy and dosage still have to be examined.