Ectopic cilia in 112 dogs: A multicenter retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study was to review the clinical data and outcomes of patients that suffered ectopic cilium (EC). ANIMALS STUDIED: One hundred and twelve dogs from multiple private practices in France, with a clinical diagnosis of EC were included in the study. RESULTS: The mean age of affected dogs was 2.3 years. There were 64 females and 48 males. The most represented breeds were the Shi Tzu, the French Bulldog, the English Bulldog and the Chihuahua. Eleven dogs were affected bilaterally. The upper eyelid was implicated in 93.5% of the cases, with the median portion being the most affected. No statistical difference was observed between the right and the left eye. EC were associated with distichiasis in 50% of the cases. Pigmentation of the conjunctiva at the point of exit of the EC was present in 58% of the cases. EC were short in 75% and long in 25% of the cases. Corneal complications were statistically associated with short EC. The corneal lesions associated with EC were keratitis (94%), corneal granuloma (0.8%), corneal fibrosis (2.7%), corneal degeneration (0.8%), superficial corneal ulcer (68.7%), deep corneal ulcer (8%) and perforating corneal ulcer (0.8%). The surgeries which consisted of the removal of the hair follicle was successful in 88.4% of the cases. CONCLUSION: EC is a rare condition which can be treated successfully by the removal of the hair follicles. It must be suspected in cases of corneal lesions unresponsive to medical treatment.

Intra- and interobserver reliability of lens equatorial length measurement using 35-MHz ultrasound biomicroscopy in dogs with cataract.

PURPOSE: To determine intra- and interobserver reliability of lens equatorial length measurement using 35-MHz ultrasound biomicroscopy in dogs with cataract. METHODS: Ocular ultrasonography was performed on 28 dogs (50 eyes) before phacoemulsification. Lens equatorial length was measured on still images obtained at 35 MHz in all dogs. Each observer (A and B) obtained the measurements independently. Coefficients of variation (CVs) were used to assess intraobserver repeatability and interobserver reproducibility. Intraobserver repeatability was assessed by comparing measurements obtained on the same image on four different occasions by observer A. Interobserver reproducibility was assessed by comparing measurements obtained independently by both observers on the same image. RESULTS: CV used to assess intraobserver repeatability was 2.4% with good agreement and no significant difference between repetitions (P > 0.05). CV used to assess interobserver reproducibility was 5.8% without significant difference between measurements obtained by the two observers (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Intraobserver repeatability and interobserver reproducibility were considered good for lens equatorial length measurement at 35 MHz in dogs with cataract. Ultrasound biomicroscopy could be an acceptable method to assess lens equatorial dimension before phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in dogs with cataract.

Marsupialization of a cyst of the nictitating membrane in three dogs.

BACKGROUND: Development of cysts has been reported as a potential complication after surgical repositioning of nictitating membrane gland protrusion using the conjunctival pocket technique. To the authors' knowledge, no treatment for these cysts has ever been published. OBJECTIVES: This short case series describes a surgical technique of marsupialization as a treatment option for these cysts and proposes a pathogenesis for cyst formation. CASES DESCRIPTION: Three dogs were each referred for a unilateral subconjunctival mass-like lesion involving the bulbar side of the nictitating membrane. Complete ophthalmologic examination revealed a pink, translucent, soft, and nonpainful mass protruding from the bulbar surface of the nictitating membrane in all cases. Treatment consisted in marsupialization of the cyst on the palpebral surface of the nictitating membrane and was curative with no short-term postoperative complication and favorable long-term outcome for the three dogs. Histopathological findings were consistent with a lacrimal cyst. CONCLUSION: Marsupialization appears to be a safe, simple, and effective treatment for nictitating membrane cyst secondary to surgical correction of gland prolapse using conjunctival pocket technique in dogs. Further studies on a larger number of cases are necessary to determine whether marsupialization is the technique of choice and to further investigate the pathophysiology of cyst formation after conjunctival pocket repositioning of prolapsed glands.