Unilateral keratitis secondary to Leishmania spp. infection in a horse: Clinical signs and successful topical therapy.

Dermatological clinical signs have been seldom reported in the literature secondary to equine leishmaniasis. This case depicts the clinical signs, treatment, and outcome of a young horse with a pink, elevated lesion on the ventromedial quadrant of the cornea. A corneal cytology was performed and revealed the presence of leishmania amastigotes reaching the diagnosis of keratitis secondary to leishmania. Surgical resection was recommended but the owner declined the procedure, and the lesion was treated with a topical antimonial for 6 weeks. The lesion reduced remarkably during the first weeks of treatment. The patient had not shown recurrence of the lesion for 2 years since the treatment was started. Leishmania spp. can be responsible for ocular surface abnormalities such as keratitis. Corneal cytology is an inexpensive diagnostic method that should be considered when ocular surface abnormalities are identified in horses in endemic areas.

Visual outcome following phacoemulsification in English Cocker Spaniels with suspected progressive retinal atrophy: A retrospective multicenter study of 54 cases (2002-2017).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the visual outcome following phacoemulsification in English Cocker Spaniels (ECS) affected by cataracts and suspected progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). ANIMALS STUDIED: Fifty-four client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES: A multicenter, retrospective study was performed including ECS with suspected PRA which underwent phacoemulsification. PRA was suspected on ophthalmic examination before and after surgery, and/or after electroretinography (ERG) was performed. Visual outcome was assessed by menace response per eye at seven time periods post-surgery (P1= 25-90 days, P2 = 91-180 days, P3 = 181-364 days, P4 = 365-549 days, P5 = 550-729 days, P6 = 730-1094 days, and P7 ≥ 1095 days). Descriptive statistics were performed. Generalized estimating equations were used to identify predictors associated with vision after surgery. Odds ratio and confidence intervals were reported. Significance was set at P < 0.05. Owners were invited to participate in a questionnaire. RESULTS: Phacoemulsification was performed in 85 eyes. Median age at surgery was 9.09 years (min. 2.17 years, max. 13.49 years). At all re-examinations, up to and including P5, significantly more eyes were visual than before surgery (P ≤ 0.003). Odds for vision were significantly increased for eyes that underwent surgery. Electroretinograms were performed in 75/85 eyes that underwent surgery, demonstrating low b-wave amplitudes. There was no significant effect of the age, gender, vision before surgery, presence of dazzle reflex, cataract stage or abnormality on gonioscopy on visual outcome. The questionnaire response rate was 48.2%. Most participants (92.5%) felt that cataract surgery led to improvement of the dog's quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: English Cocker Spaniels with suspected PRA may benefit from phacoemulsification with vision up to 2 years following surgery.

Immunohistochemical characterization of feline lymphoplasmacytic anterior uveitis.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the immune cells present in different forms of feline anterior uveitis. SAMPLES: Eyes were obtained from 49 cats diagnosed with chronic idiopathic lymphoplasmacytic anterior uveitis, 7 cats with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), and 9 cats euthanized for nonocular disease. METHODS: H&E sections were scored on the level of infiltrate in the anterior uvea. Immunohistochemistry was performed for FoxP3, CD3, and IL-17A, and positive cells were quantified in multiple images of each sample. A generalized estimating equation tested for an association between the level of inflammation and the prevalence of these cell types. RESULTS: Cells stained positive for IL-17A in idiopathic uveitis but not in FIP samples. We found significantly fewer FoxP3+ and CD3+ cells in low-grade compared with high-grade inflammation in idiopathic uveitis or FIP samples (P values all <.005), but no difference between FIP and high-grade samples. CONCLUSIONS: Idiopathic, but not FIP-associated, uveitis appears to have Th17 cell involvement. The numbers of FoxP3+ and CD3+ T-cells present appear directly correlated; thus, the severity of disease does not appear directly determined by the numbers of regulatory cells.

Immediate effects of diamond burr debridement in patients with spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects, light and electron microscopic evaluation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate immediate effects of diamond burr debridement (DBD) on the cornea of canine patients diagnosed with spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs). ANIMALS STUDIED: Eight client owned dogs with SCCEDs. METHODS: Nine eyes from eight dogs with SCCEDs underwent superficial keratectomy (SK). The ulcerated area was divided into quadrants with a 300-micron restricted depth knife. Two of four quadrants underwent DBD for 40-60 s. A SK followed immediately. One burred section and one nonburred section were fixed with formaldehyde 10% and underwent light microscopy (LM). The remaining quadrants from five eyes were fixed with glutaraldehyde 2.5% and underwent transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Masked pathologists evaluated the samples. A student's paired t-test was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: With LM all nonburred samples had a superficial stromal hyaline acellular zone (HAZ), seven of the burred samples had an intermittent HAZ and in two burred samples this zone was absent. The HAZ thickness of burred samples (1.062 ± 0.664 µm) was significantly thinner than that of the nonburred samples (4.309 ± 1.348 µm) (P < 0.0001). Transmission electron microscopy showed an absence of basement membrane and the presence of an amorphous, fine fibrillar material in the superficial stroma in nonburred samples. This material was intermittent or absent in burred samples. CONCLUSION: DBD significantly reduces the superficial stromal HAZ in SCCEDs. A reduction of its thickness may be responsible for the healing rates reported with DBD.

Preliminary results of a prospective study of inter- and intra-user variability of the Royal Veterinary College corneal clarity score (RVC-CCS) for use in veterinary practice.

OBJECTIVE: To introduce a new corneal clarity score for use in small animals and describe its inter- and intra-user variability. ANIMALS STUDIED: Twelve dogs and two cats with corneal abnormalities and five dogs with healthy corneas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four examiners scored every patient twice and never consecutively, focusing on the central cornea. The peripheral cornea was scored separately. The following scoring system was used to describe corneal clarity: G0: no fundus reflection is visible on retroillumination (RI) using a head-mounted indirect ophthalmoscope. G1: a fundus reflection is visible with RI. G2: a 0.1-mm diameter light beam is visible on the anterior surface of the iris and/or lens. G3: gross fundic features are visible when viewed with indirect ophthalmoscopy (IO) using a head-mounted indirect ophthalmoscope and a hand-held 30D lens, although fine details are not clear. G4: fine details of the fundic features are clearly visible with IO. The minimum grades given were analyzed for inter- and intra-user variability with kappa analysis. RESULTS: Intra- and interuser variability of the central corneal clarity ranged from 0.78 to 0.96, showing substantial to almost perfect reproducibility, and from 0.66 to 0.91, showing substantial to almost perfect reliability, respectively. Intra- and interuser variability of the peripheral cornea ranged from 0.83 to 0.95, showing almost perfect agreement, and from 0.53 to 0.91, showing moderate to almost perfect agreement. CONCLUSIONS: The RVC-CCS is well suited to assess and monitor central corneal clarity in small animals and to compare outcomes between studies and different surgeons.

Corneal and anterior segment foreign body trauma in dogs: a review of 218 cases.

OBJECTIVES: To review clinical data on dogs that suffered a corneal and anterior segment foreign body (CASFB) trauma and to determine the risk factors for foreign body (FB) trauma and subsequent enucleation. ANIMALS STUDIED: Dogs with CASFB presented to the Animal Health Trust (AHT) from January 2000 to December 2012. PROCEDURES: Clinical data for CASFB cases were compared to those available for the remaining AHT ophthalmic population over the same period. The depth of the FB trauma was divided into five categories. The type of FB and method of removal were described for each category. The degree of secondary uveitis and lens involvement was graded and correlated with subsequent enucleation. RESULTS: The mean age (standard deviation) of 218 identified CASFB cases was 3.96 (2.95) years. Risk factors for CASFB trauma were dogs younger than 5 years, English Springer Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, and working dogs. Most dogs required general anesthesia for FB removal, and hypodermic needles were the most commonly used instrument. The lens was involved in some cases with a full-thickness CASFB trauma (n = 49, 45%), but most suffered a minor lens trauma (n = 37, 76%). The lens trauma and phacoclastic uveitis were managed medically in most dogs (n = 37, 76%), and phacoemulsification was only elected as initial treatment in some dogs (n = 10, 20%). Enucleation was required overall in 6% of dogs. Statistically significant associations were found between enucleation and depth of FB trauma, degree of uveitis, and severity of lens trauma (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Young dogs, English Springer Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, and working dogs had an increased risk of CASFB trauma. Risk factors for enucleation were full-thickness FB penetration, severe lens trauma, and severe uveitis.

Descemet's membrane detachment in horses; case series and literature review.

The aim of this article was to describe Descemet's membrane detachment (DMD) following phacoemulsification in five equine eyes and to review the human literature on this topic. In the last decade, there has been increased reporting of DMD in the human literature, in particular following cataract surgery. The natural history of DMD remains unknown and although various medical and surgical treatments have been advocated there is no recognized 'gold standard' treatment for DMD. This case series reports the diagnosis of DMD in four horses (5 eyes) in association with phacoemulsification surgery. The diagnosis of DMD in these patients was made intra-operatively, postoperatively or on subsequent histopathological examination. The surgical reports, photographic or video recordings, and ultrasound data were evaluated and possible factors associated with the pathophysiology of DMD are discussed. This is the first description of DMD in the veterinary literature, and the authors believe that DMD might hitherto have been overlooked in veterinary ophthalmology due to a lack of awareness of the condition. The possible causes, clinical signs, and treatment of DMD as described in the human literature are also reviewed.

Contralateral optic neuropathy and retinopathy associated with visual and afferent pupillomotor dysfunction following enucleation in six cats.

PURPOSE: To investigate contralateral optic neuropathy and retinopathy following enucleation in 6 cats. METHODS: Retrospective study. The medical records of cats with contralateral visual and afferent pupillomotor dysfunction following enucleation presented to the Animal Health Trust (AHT), Newmarket, UK, between January 1994 and January 2010 were reviewed. Information recorded included history, signalment, ophthalmic findings, electroretinography (ERG) (2/6) and MRI (3/6) findings and long-term outcome. Pearson's chi-square tests were used to compare breed proportions (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Six cats aged 1.5 to 11 (median 5.5) years presented with mydriasis and/or visual deficits noted immediately following enucleation. Enucleation involved optic nerve (ON) ligation in all of the four cases for which this information was available. Ophthalmic findings included mydriasis with absent pupillary light reflex (PLR) (4/6), incomplete PLRs (2/6), absence of dazzle reflex (4/6) and absence of menace response (4/6). Funduscopy initially revealed multifocal peripapillary retinal lesions, with subsequent progressive optic nerve head (ONH) and retinal atrophy. ERG recordings revealed normal outer retinal function at 6 and 22 weeks (2/2). On MRI, the optic chiasm (OC) ipsilateral to the enucleation could not be identified and the contralateral OC was atrophied (3/3). CONCLUSIONS: The acute afferent ON deficits following enucleation, progressive ONH atrophy, normal outer retinal function and MRI demonstrating OC pathology are consistent with chiasmal injury due to traction on the ON during enucleation. Rostral traction on the globe to facilitate ON ligation is contraindicated in cats.

A description of blend electrolysis for treatment of canine distichiasis: 78 cases (2012-2017).

OBJECTIVE: To describe a population of dogs treated with blend electrolysis for distichiasis at The Royal Veterinary College and report the complications seen. METHODS: In part 1, records were reviewed from 2012 to 2017 and a population of 78 dogs with distichiasis treated using blend electrolysis (Sterex SX-B blend epilator) analysed. In part 2, 18 dogs treated with blend electrolysis were re-examined prospectively by a diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ECVO). RESULTS: In part 1, brachycephalic breeds accounted for 62 per cent. English bulldog was the most common breed (42 per cent). In this population, 88 per cent of dogs were successfully treated with one treatment of electrolysis (successful treatment defined as resolution of clinical signs). Forty-five dogs had recurrent distichia on follow-up, mostly fine distichia without clinical discomfort. Twelve per cent required repeat electrolysis. Complications were infrequent: five dogs had scarring or hypopigmentation of the eyelid margin. In part 2, 18 dogs were re-examined. Ten had distichia recurrence, six had eyelid scarring and five had depigmentation associated with electrolysis. Two dogs had occasional clinical signs thought to be related to distichiasis. All owners perceived their dogs' ocular comfort to be improved following blend electrolysis. CONCLUSIONS: Brachycephalic breeds, most notably English bulldogs, are over-represented in this population. Blend electrolysis appears an effective treatment for resolution of clinical signs.

Successful medical management of a domestic longhair cat with subdural intracranial empyema and multifocal pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of successful medical management of subdural intracranial empyema and multifocal pneumonia in a domestic longhaired cat. CASE SUMMARY: A 7-year-and-8-month-old male neutered domestic longhair cat presented with tachypnea, respiratory compromise, vestibular ataxia, obtundation, left-sided head tilt, and multiple cranial nerve deficits. Neuroanatomical localization was multifocal with central vestibular involvement. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head indicated diffuse subdural empyema, mainly affecting the middle cranial fossa and the right cerebrum. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid revealed degenerate neutrophils with a mixed population of intracellular bacilli. Computed tomography (CT) of the thorax was suggestive for multifocal pneumonia. Aggressive medical management with IV fluids, oxygen supplementation, mannitol boluses, dexamethasone, and broad-spectrum antimicrobials was initiated. The cat demonstrated gradual improvement within 24 hours following initiation of treatment. General physical and neurological examinations, 9 weeks after initiating treatment, did not reveal any abnormalities. A CT examination performed at this time revealed resolution of the cat's pulmonary lesions. The cat was still free of clinical signs, 9 months after treatment was started. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: Subdural empyema is infrequently reported in cats and has high mortality rates even following surgical treatment. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of successful medical management of a cat with subdural empyema and suggests that aggressive medical management should be attempted in cats that are not considered surgical candidates.

Marginal resection and adjuvant strontium plesiotherapy in the management of feline eyelid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours: two cases.

CASE SERIES SUMMARY: Two cats with a marginally resected eyelid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour were treated with adjuvant strontium plesiotherapy a few weeks after surgery. The dose applied in both cases was 200 Gy to the surface, in five fractions, on a Monday-Wednesday-Friday basis. The treatment aimed to achieve a clinical margin of approximately 1 cm around the surgical scar and multiple application fields were required to cover such an area. Local recurrence was not seen in either case after 1330 and 645 days, respectively. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: The majority of periocular malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours reported in the literature recur after surgery. In the two cases described in this report the combination of surgery and adjuvant plesiotherapy has been able to provide good local control with minimal toxicity. This multimodal approach could be considered as an alternative to aggressive surgery such as enucleation or exenteration.