A remote fluorescein staining and photography protocol for monitoring of ulcerative keratitis in small animal patients: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a protocol for corneal ulcer monitoring utilizing daily fluorescein staining and evaluation of owner-acquired anterior segment images. ANIMAL STUDIED: Nine client-owned small animal patients (eight dogs, one cat) diagnosed with superficial corneal ulcers at the University of Georgia Veterinary Capitalize Hospital. PROCEDURE(S): In addition to routine ulcer therapy, patients were discharged with supplies to perform daily fluorescein staining including a Quikvue® cobalt blue light camera adapter. Fluorescein staining was performed daily, photographs and/or videos were acquired at home by the patient's owner(s), and images were analyzed daily by trained personnel. In-house examinations were performed weekly and within 24 h after the ulcer had appeared healed on photographs. RESULTS: All (9/9) owners were able to take interpretable photographs. The majority (6/9) of patients had images successfully detailing their ulcer healing progress. One (1/9) patient appeared healed on images, but on subsequent examination had persistent ulceration covered by third eyelid elevation. Two (2/9) patients had persistent ulceration, consistent on both images and examination, but exited the study prematurely prior to ulcer healing. CONCLUSIONS: Remote fluorescein staining and image evaluation can be considered as an adjunct for monitoring ulcer healing but should not be used alone or as a substitute for ophthalmic examinations. Ulcers under the third eyelid have potential to be missed on image evaluation alone.

Effects of chronic low-dose radiation on cataract prevalence and characterization in wild boar (Sus scrofa) from Fukushima, Japan.

This study evaluated cataracts in wild boar exposed to chronic low-dose radiation. We examined wild boar from within and outside the Fukushima Exclusion Zone for nuclear, cortical, and posterior subcapsular (PSC) cataracts in vivo and photographically. Plausible upper-bound, lifetime radiation dose for each boar was estimated from radioactivity levels in each animal's home range combined with tissue concentrations of 134+137Cesium. Fifteen exposed and twenty control boar were evaluated. There were no significant differences in overall prevalence or score for cortical or PSC cataracts between exposed and control animals. Nuclear (centrally located) cataracts were significantly more prevalent in exposed boar (p < 0.05) and had statistically higher median scores. Plausible upper-bound, lifetime radiation dose ranged from 1 to 1,600 mGy in exposed animals, with no correlation between dose and cortical or PSC score. While radiation dose and nuclear score were positively associated, the impact of age could not be completely separated from the relationship. Additionally, the clinical significance of even the highest scoring nuclear cataract was negligible. Based on the population sampled, wild boar in the Fukushima Exclusion Zone do not have a significantly higher prevalence or risk of cortical or PSC cataracts compared to control animals.

Iridocorneal angle assessment of companion rabbits using gonioscopy, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (Optovue iVue® ), high-resolution ultrasound, and Pentacam® HR imaging.

OBJECTIVE: Iridocorneal angle (ICA) narrowing is a known risk factor for primary glaucoma in multiple species, but has not been described in companion rabbits. This study aimed to develop an ICA grading scheme for companion rabbits to enable early glaucoma predisposition diagnosis. ANIMALS STUDIED: Twenty healthy rabbits of varying breeds and ages. PROCEDURES: Rabbits received complete ophthalmic examinations, including gonioscopy, and imaging of the ICA using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam® HR), and high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS). Angle opening distance (AOD) and angle recess area (ARA) of the ICA were measured and assessed for agreement using a Bland-Altman analysis. A five-stage gonioscopy grading scheme was created, and Spearman-rank test assessed for correlation between gonioscopy grades and ICA measurements. Differences among age and sex were analyzed with a nonparametric ANOVA and Wilcoxon rank-sum test, respectively. RESULTS: Analysis revealed AOD medians of 0.28mm for SD-OCT [95% CI: 0.24-0.31], 0.20mm for Pentacam® HR [95% CI: 0.18-0.21], and 0.25mm for HRUS [95% CI: 0.22-0.28]. The median ARA was 0.14mm2 for SD-OCT [95% CI: 0.117-0.163], 0.09mm2 for Pentacam® HR [95% CI: 0.082-0.100], and 0.06mm2 for HRUS [95% CI: 0.046-0.054]. The association between gonioscopy grade and SD-OCT ARA was significant (P < 0.05), and there was a significant difference (P < 0.001) between imaging modalities for both ARA and AOD. CONCLUSIONS: Gonioscopy grade correlated well with SD-OCT ARA. Therefore, SD-OCT is recommended as a noncontact method for evaluating companion rabbit ICA. Each imaging device should not be used interchangeably for ICA evaluation.