Safety and efficacy of unilateral topical application of rocuronium bromide in healthy scops owls (Otus scops).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of unilateral topical application of rocuronium bromide in scops owls. ANIMALS STUDIED: Ten healthy adult scops owls. PROCEDURES: Birds weighting between 82-111 g were enrolled. Complete physical and ophthalmic examinations were performed. Each animal received a single dose of 0.15 mg of rocuronium bromide (30 µL) in a randomly selected eye. Static pupillometric evaluations were performed before and after drug instillation at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes, in a room with fixed light intensity. Physical and ophthalmic examinations were carried out to evaluate possible adverse effects. RESULTS: Median pupil (95% CI) size at t0 was 7.10 mm (5.51-7.41) for placebo eyes and 7.22 mm (6.93-7.48) for treated eyes, showing no statistical differences (P > .05). When compared to the placebo eye, significant mydriasis was achieved at t30 [8.18 mm (7.22-9.00)] (P = .014) and lasting until t90 [7.35 mm (6.20-9.52)] (P = .004). Maximal mydriasis was obtained at t60 [8.63 mm (7.72-9.81)] (P = .001). During this period, the treated eye no longer responded to direct light stimulation. Complete mydriasis was observed in 5/10 birds (mean weight 97.4 g). Pupil size at t90 and t120 did not differ from baseline (P > .05) in treated eyes. No adverse effects were seen during the study period. CONCLUSION: Single-dose topical rocuronium bromide (0.15 mg) is a safe and effective medium duration mydriatic agent in scops owls. Further studies are needed to evaluate bilateral topical application and standardize the mydriatic protocol.

Corneoconjunctival transposition for the treatment of deep stromal to full-thickness corneal defects in dogs: A multicentric retrospective study of 100 cases (2012-2018).

OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate the use of corneoconjunctival transposition (CTT) as a surgical treatment for canine deep stromal ulcers, descemetoceles, and full-thickness corneal defects and to determine its efficacy in preserving corneal graft transparency and vision. ANIMALS STUDIED: One hundred client-owned dogs with deep stromal ulcers, descemetoceles, or full-thickness corneal defects. METHODS: Medical records of canine patients that underwent CCT, from 2012 to 2018, were reviewed. Only, patients with preoperative positive consensual pupillary light and dazzle reflexes were included. RESULTS: There were 59 males and 41 females, from 0.3 to 17 years. Brachycephalic breeds were overrepresented (65%). All patients were unilaterally affected, with 16 deep stromal ulcers, 33 descemetoceles, and 51 corneal perforations, of a median (range) size of 4 (2-8) mm. The central cornea was affected in the majority of cases (57%), and euryblepharon and keratoconjunctivitis sicca were the most common concurrent ocular diseases (42% and 40%, respectively). The graft was most frequently harvested from dorsal (67%), and 9/0 absorbable suture material was used. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were seen in 7 and 21 cases, respectively. Mean follow-up time was 107.8 days. Vision was preserved in 96% patients, with 62% showing faint to mild opacification. Among the statistically analyzed variables, euryblepharon and pigmentary keratitis were found to be significantly associated with greater corneal graft opacification (P = .040 and P = .028, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Corneoconjunctival transposition is an effective surgical treatment for deep stromal, descemetocele, and full-thickness corneal defects in dogs, achieving a highly satisfactory degree of corneal graft transparency and preserving vision.