Efficacy of zinc citrate ascorbate for treatment of canine cataracts.

Efficacy of zinc citrate ascorbate was evaluated in 146 dogs (265 eyes) that had various lens opacities. Zinc citrate ascorbate or saline placebo drops were applied topically once or twice daily for 4 to 31 weeks. Of 138 eyes treated with zinc citrate ascorbate, 86 eyes (62.3%) had no change, 48 eyes (34.8%) had increased lens opacity, and 4 eyes (2.9%) had decreased lens opacity. Of 127 eyes treated with a saline placebo, 99 eyes (77.9%) had no change, 25 eyes (19.7%) had increased lens opacity, and 3 eyes (2.4%) had decreased lens opacity. Zinc citrate ascorbate drops were not significantly (P = less than 0.05) more effective in clearing cataracts than were saline drops. Seemingly, zinc citrate ascorbate drops may have caused lens opacities to increase in area and density.

Use of methyl methacrylate orbital prostheses in dogs and cats: 78 cases (1980-1986).

To prevent cosmetically undesirable orbital concavity after enucleation, methyl methacrylate spheres were implanted into the orbits of 73 dogs and 5 cats. In all cases, follow-up reports were obtained until suture removal 2 weeks after surgery, and for 58 animals (79%) until 6 months after surgery. Information was available for 46 animals (60%) 1 year after surgery, 28 animals (36%) 2 years after surgery, and 7 animals (9%) 3 years after surgery. Implants failed in 3 dogs and 2 cats. Complications were not detected in the remaining 73 animals (93%), and owners were pleased with the cosmetic results. The causes of implant failure in dogs varied; however, in cats, fluid accumulation was the consistent complication associated with failure. Orbital implantation of methyl methacrylate spheres was found to be a safe, practical, and inexpensive method of improving the cosmetic appearance of dogs requiring enucleation. Although the number of cats evaluated was limited, the accumulation of orbital fluid in a high percentage of those suggested that orbital implants may be less successful in this species.

Morphologic and biochemical studies of canine mucopolysaccharidosis I.

This report presents the necropsy and biochemical findings on the first dog to die with alpha-L-iduronidase deficiency (mucopolysaccharidosis I, MPS I). Gross pathologic features, light- and electron-microscopic findings, and tissue enzyme, glycosaminoglycan (GAG), and sphingolipid levels are compared with the human disease counterpart and the previously described feline model. Results lend further support for the similarities of the canine disease and human MPS I.

Effect of acetazolamide in blood acid-base and electrolyte values in dogs.

The effects of acetazolamide administration on arterial blood acid-base equilibrium and electrolyte concentrations were evaluated in 13 clinical patients and in a 4-week experiment in 6 conditioned mixed-breed dogs. Findings included persistent acidemia characterized by hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis, elevated partial pressure of oxygen, and mild depletion of potassium. Changes in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide were variable, and there was no change in plasma sodium concentration or osmolality. Measured disturbances were apparent within 12 hours of the commencement of acetazolamide administration, peaked at between 1.5 and 5.0 days, and thereafter stabilized. Abnormalities were restored to normal within 1.5 days following termination of drug administration.

Cross lid flap for repair of large upper eyelid defects.

A 2-stage technique for reconstruction of large, upper eyelid defects was adapted from a technique used in man for use in lower animals. The technique utilized a flap from the lower lid and was applied successfully in a dog with a melanoma and in 2 cats with colobomas.

Intraconal contrast orbitography in the dog.

Intraconal contrast orbitograms were obtained, using a nonionic water-soluble contrast agent, on 15 normal dogs to evaluate the technique and to define the basal orbitogram. Thirty-three intraconal orbitograms were prepared, utilizing three different injection techniques. In 21 of the intraconal orbitograms, the orbital cone was well outlined with contrast or with the optic nerve visible (or both). These were judged to be of satisfactory diagnostic quality. In the 12 other studies, the presence of most of the contrast material outside the orbital cone resulted in failure to identify the intraconal structures. These were, therefore, classified as nondiagnostic. The contrast agent used provided an adequate density and persisted in the orbital cone long enough for radiograms to be obtained. Serious complications did not appear during the study. Intraconal orbitography provides a safe method for evaluating the orbital cone.