A facemask for gaseous anesthesia in laboratory rodents and chicks that allows easy access to the eyes for ophthalmic procedures.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to report a method for making a cheap and effective anesthesia facemask for laboratory rodents and chicks that allows access to the eyes for ophthalmic procedures such as electroretinography (ERG) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: The facemask is fabricated from a bulb syringe and a medicine dropper (Luvs(®) , Jamaica, NY) both intended for use in infants. The tip of the bulb syringe is removed to make a plastic cone (1.5 cm in length) to fit over the animal's nose. The bulb is removed from the medicine dropper and a small hole on the side of bulb near the closed end made into which the narrow end of the plastic cone is fitted and the joint glued with a hot glue gun. The facemask is then attached over the anesthetic tubing. RESULTS: Following induction of anesthesia, the facemask and a nonrebreathing circuit (Baines system) are suitable to maintain anesthesia in laboratory rodents and chicks while allowing ready access to the eyes for ERG and OCT. The mask fits snuggly, reducing leakage of anesthetic gasses and it has a minimum of deadspace. CONCLUSIONS: The materials required for making the facemask are cheap and readily available and it is easy to fabricate. We found it excellent for use with mice and chicks, and it allows easy access to the eyes for techniques such as ERG and OCT.

Bilateral phacoemulsification in an orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus).

A 14-year-old, female, captive-born orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) developed bilateral cataracts. Ultrasonography, electroretinography and cataract correction using phacoemulsification were performed bilaterally. This case report aims to describe the ophthalmic procedures performed in this animal critically endangered of extinction. The surgery successfully restored vision and normal activity to the patient.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin type A to induce temporary ptosis in dogs.

PURPOSE: To verify the safety and efficacy of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A) to promote protective ptosis in dogs. METHODS: In this prospective interventional study, a total of 10 dogs underwent transcutaneous anterior chemodenervation of levator palpebral superioris with 15 U of BoNT/A. The systemic changes, ocular mobility, visual function, intraocular pressure (IOP), tear production, and the onset, degree, and duration of ptosis were evaluated on a daily basis during the first 7 days and on days 14, 21, and 28 after application. RESULTS: The onset of the clinical effect was observed between 2 and 3 days after application of the toxin; the time taken for maximum ptosis to develop varied from 4 to 7 days (mean 5 days) and the average duration of the toxin effect was 21 days. The mean percentage reduction in palpebral fissure height was 42.859% (SD±35.714%-59.821%). There was not a statistically significant difference in IOP before and after the BoNT/A application (P=0.974), or lacrimal production evaluation (P=0.276). There was no change in ocular mobility and no other adverse effect was observed in association with the administration of the study drug. CONCLUSION: The application of BoNT/A into the levator palpebral superioris muscle in dogs was effective and safe to promote protective ptosis with a temporary covering of the cornea.