A Post-Operative Follow-Up of an Endangered Saltwater Fish Lensectomy for Cataract Management in a Public Aquarium: A Case Series.

Mature cataracts can be a life-threatening condition in fish as it may result in anorexia. Lens extraction has been previously described in fish, but the long-term outcome of this procedure has not been evaluated. Eleven captive-bred adult fish housed in a public aquarium presented with unilateral (n = 3/11) or bilateral (n = 8/11) mature cataracts. All cases belonged to three endangered fish populations: striped bass (Morone saxatilis) originating from the Saint Lawrence River and Atlantic and spotted wolffish (Anarhichas lupus and Anarhichas minor). Pre-operatively, fish presented with anorexia, dark discoloration, abnormal position in the water column, skin abrasions, and/or decreased body condition scores. A lensectomy was performed in eleven fish, including a bilateral procedure in four fish, corresponding to fifteen eyes. Follow-up examinations were performed one to two weeks and one year post surgery. The main complication was self-resolving: corneal edema was present in 67% of eyes, persistent after a week in 47% of eyes, and resolved thereafter. Post-operatively, 73% of fish resumed feeding and regained a good body condition score. Persistent visual impairment post-surgery associated with anorexia required euthanasia in three out of eleven cases. The median time of death was 336 days post surgery (range: 27-1439 days) and three cases were still alive 1334 to 1425 days after the lensectomy. This was considered a favorable outcome for these older individuals with concurrent diseases.

Morphological Evaluation of Transscleral Laser Retinopexy in Rabbits: Comparison of Optical Coherence Tomography and Histologic Examinations.

Transscleral retinopexy is a preventive technique used against retinal detachment. Fundus examination can allow the monitoring of morphological retinal changes in the progression of photocoagulation lesions, without offering details on the morphological changes by the retinal lesion. The aim of the study was to assess the progression of photocoagulation lesions induced by transscleral retinopexy (840 nm diode laser), by comparing the optical coherence tomography (OCT) and histological images over a period of six weeks on eight pigmented New Zealand healthy rabbits (four males and four females; n = 16 eyes). All rabbits underwent transscleral retinopexy on their left eye on day 0 (D0). Measurements of the photocoagulation lesions were obtained in vivo on D0, D7, D15, D21, and D42 by acquiring OCT images of both eyes from all rabbits. On D1, D7, D21, and D42, two rabbits were euthanized, and their eyes were enucleated. A significant effect by time on the decrease in the central retinal thickness of the photocoagulation lesion was observed from D1 to D7 (p = 0.001); however, no such effect was observed on the horizontal length ((HL) p = 0.584) of the lesion surface. The reliability between the OCT and histological measurements, which were evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients, was excellent for measuring the retinal thickness at the center (ICC = 0.91, p < 0.001), moderate for the right side of the retinal lesions (ICC = 0.72, p = 0.006), and not significant for the left side and HL (p = 0.055 and 0.500, respectively). The morphological changes observed in the OCT and histopathological images of the photocoagulation lesions were qualitatively described over time. OCT is an effective tool for monitoring changes in photocoagulation lesions. Some measurements and qualitative changes showed an adequate correlation between the OCT and histological findings.

Electroretinography, Ocular Ultrasonography, and Phacoemulsification of Bilateral Cataracts in Two Juvenile Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta) of the Mediterranean Region.

Bilateral cataracts were diagnosed in two rescued juvenile, immature loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), weighing 1.65 and 1.7 kg. Both animals showed vision impairment and difficulty in feeding without assistance. In fact, they did not notice the presence of the food in the tank unless it was brought close to touching the mouth. Ocular ultrasonography and electroretinography showed no lesions of the vitreal body and retinal layer, therefore, both animals were candidates for bilateral cataract surgery. Topical administration of tropicamide + phenylephrine alternating with rocuronium resulted in only minimal mydriasis. Administration of intracameral rocuronium did not improve mydriasis. Phacoemulsification using a one-handed technique was performed bilaterally with a phacoemulsification device (Sovereign, AMO (Abbott Medical Optics®). After surgery, the systemic anti-inflammatory drug (dexamethasone 0.2 mg/kg, IM daily for one week) and antibiotics (enrofloxacin 10 mg/kg IM q 72 h, for 4 weeks; ceftazidime 20 mg/kg IM q 72 h for 3 weeks) were administered. Topical ofloxacin, flurbiprofen and tobramycin/dexamethasone were instilled TID for 4 weeks. Both turtles regained vision in both eyes. Results at a 10-month follow-up were satisfactory. This is the first report of cataracts in turtles rescued in the Mediterranean Sea and the first description of surgical treatment of cataracts in loggerhead turtles so young.

Optical Coherence Tomography: A Review of Current Applications in Veterinary Ophthalmology.

Normative standards for healthy animal structures have been established by optical coherence tomography (OCT). OCT has been used in animal studies to characterize more precisely ocular lesions, identify the origin of the affected layer, and eventually provide a curative treatment. To acquire a high image resolution, several challenges must be overcome when performing an OCT scan on animals. Sedation or general anesthesia is usually necessary in OCT image acquisition to alleviate motion during image acquisition. Mydriasis, eye position and movements, head position, and corneal hydration must also be managed during the OCT analysis.

Effect of topical cyclopentolate alone or combined with phenylephrine in healthy horses.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effect of repeated doses of topical 1% cyclopentolate hydrochloride alone and in combination with topical 2.5% phenylephrine on pupil diameter (PD), tear production (STT-1), intraocular pressure (IOP), digestive function (gut motility and feces production), and heart rate (HR). ANIMAL STUDIED: Six healthy mares. PROCEDURES: In a prospective, randomized, controlled, and crossover design study, the left eye of six healthy mares was administered 0.2 mL of cyclopentolate alone and in combination with 0.2 mL of phenylephrine. The drugs were administered 3 times a day for 1 day, twice a day for 1 day, and then once a day for 2 days, as commonly used in practice. Daily and two days after the last topical drug administration, HR, digestive auscultation, feces production, STT-1, IOP, and PD were recorded. RESULTS: The cyclopentolate alone significantly increased the horizontal and vertical PD of the treated eye from day 2 to day 6 (p < .0001) compared with the baseline value. The combination with topical phenylephrine did not have any additional effect on mydriasis compare with the cyclopentolate alone. The other ocular and digestive parameters were not affected by repeated doses of cyclopentolate alone or combined. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated administration of cyclopentolate alone or combined with phenylephrine induce a significant mydriasis for at least 48 h after the last administration in normal horses' eyes, and do not affect STT-1, IOP, digestive function, and HR. The phenylephrine combined with the cyclopentolate did not potentiate the pupil dilation when compared with cyclopentolate alone in healthy horses.

Stability of epidermal growth factor, fibronectin, and alpha-2-macroglobulin in canine serum under different storage conditions.

The objective of this study was to assess whether concentrations of epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibronectin, and alpha(α)-2-macroglobulin in canine serum remain stable under different storage conditions. Serum was obtained from 10 adult dogs and stored for 7 d at room temperature (RT) and at 4°C and for 1, 3, and 6 mo at -20°C. Bacterial cultures of serum were carried out after 7 d at 4°C and at RT. For each dog and time point, EGF, fibronectin, and α-2-macroglobulin were quantified in duplicate by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Mean concentrations of each factor at each time point were used for statistical analysis. No bacterial growth was observed in any samples. Compared to baseline (232.24 ± 49.47 pg/mL), EGF concentration was significantly lower after 1 wk of storage at 4°C (135.39 ± 27.12 pg/mL, P = 0.006), but not at RT (315.85 ± 79 pg/mL, P = 0.6) or after 1, 3, or 6 mo of storage at -20°C (220.84 ± 41.07 pg/mL, P = 0.7; 220.98 ± 78.26 pg/mL, P = 0.8; 266.06 ± 20.39 pg/mL, P = 0.4, respectively). Compared to baseline, concentrations of fibronectin after 1 wk of storage at 4°C or at RT and 1, 3, or 6 mo of storage at -20°C were not statistically different. Compared to baseline (186.67 ± 45.20 mg/dL), the concentration of α-2-macroglobulin after 1 wk of storage at 4°C was significantly increased (244.61 ± 58.27 mg/dL, P = 0.002), but not at RT (177.09 ± 26.99 mg/dL, P = 0.2). The differences in concentration after 3 and 6 mo of storage at -20°C were significant compared to baseline (243.32 ± 42.64 mg/dL, P = 0.005 and 56.39 ± 21.78 mg/dL, P < 0.0001, respectively), but not after 1 mo of storage at -20°C (136.79 ± 25.61 mg/dL, P = 0.1). One week of storage at RT has little effect on the stability of EGF, fibronectin, and α-2-macroglobulin in canine serum. Measured factors remain stable for 3 mo of storage at -20°C.

L'objectif de la présente étude était d'évaluer si les concentrations du facteur de croissance épidermique (EGF), de la fibronectine, et de l'alpha (α)-2 macroglobuline dans le sérum canin demeuraient stable sous différentes conditions d'entreposage. Du sérum fut obtenu de 10 chiens adultes et entreposé pendant 7 j à la température de la pièce (RT) et à 4 °C et pendant 1, 3, et 6 mo à −20 °C. Des cultures bactériennes du sérum furent effectuées après 7 j à 4 °C et RT. Pour chaque chien et temps de vérification, l'EGF, la fibronectine et l'α-2 macroglobuline furent quantifiés en duplicata par épreuve immuno-enzymatique (ELISA). Les concentrations moyennes de chaque facteur à chaque temps de vérification furent utilisées pour analyse statistique. Aucune croissance bactérienne ne fut observée dans les différents échantillons. Comparativement à la valeur de base (232,24 ± 49,47 pg/mL), la concentration d'EGF était significativement plus basse après 1 sem d'entreposage à 4 °C (135,39 ± 27,12 pg/mL, P = 0,006), mais pas à RT (315,85 ± 79 pg/mL, P = 0,6) ou après 1, 3, ou 6 mo d'entreposage à −20 °C (220,84 ± 41,07 pg/mL, P = 0,7; 220,98 ± 78,26 pg/mL, P = 0,8; 266,06 ± 20,39 pg/mL, P = 0,4, respectivement). Comparativement à la valeur de base, les concentrations de fibronectine après 1 sem d'entreposage à 4 °C ou à RT et après 1, 3, ou 6 mo d'entreposage à −20 °C n'étaient pas statistiquement différentes. Comparativement à la valeur de base (186,67 ± 45,20 mg/dL), la concentration d'α-2 macroglobuline après 1 sem d'entreposage à 4 °C avait augmenté significativement (244,61 ± 58,27 mg/dL, P = 0,002), mais pas à RT (177,09 ± 26,99 mg/dL, P = 0,2). Les différences dans les concentrations après 3 et 6 mois d'entreposage à −20 °C étaient significatives comparativement à la valeur de base (243,32 ± 42,64 mg/dL, P = 0,005 et 56,39 ± 21,78 mg/dL, P < 0,0001, respectivement), mais pas après 1 mo d'entreposage à −20 °C (136,79 ± 25,61 mg/dL, P = 0,1). Une semaine d'entreposage à RT avait peu d'effets sur la stabilité d'EGF, de fibronectine et d'α-2 macroglobuline dans le sérum canin. Les facteurs mesurés sont demeurés stables pour 3 mo lors d'entreposage à −20 °C.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Retrobulbar malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in a golden retriever dog: A challenging diagnosis.

A 9-year-old golden retriever dog was diagnosed with a left retrobulbar mass. Fine-needle aspirations and incisional biopsies resulted in discordant diagnoses: myxosarcoma/myxoma or rhadomyosarcoma, respectively. Immunohistochemistry following exenteration allowed definitive diagnosis of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor with fibromyxomatous differentiation. Fifteen weeks after surgery, an aggressive recurrence resulted in euthanasia.

Tumeur rétrobulbaire maligne des gaines nerveuses périphériques chez un Golden Retriever : un défi diagnostique. Une masse rétrobulbaire gauche a été diagnostiquée chez une Golden Retriever de 9 ans. Des aspirations à l'aiguille fine et des biopsies incisionnelles ont établi des diagnostics discordants : un myxosarcome/myxome ou un rhabdomyosarcome, respectivement. Suite à l'exentération, l'immunohistochimie a permis un diagnostic définitif de tumeur maligne des gaines nerveuses périphériques avec différenciation fibro-myxomateuse. Quinze semaines après la chirurgie, une récidive agressive a conduit à l'euthanasie de la chienne.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Congenital cataract in 1-day-old French Mulard ducklings.

Ocular opacity, associated with reluctance to move and inability to feed properly, was observed in approximately 1% of all newly hatched females from several related flocks of Mulard ducks. A 5-week follow-up study of 10 1-day-old affected females was performed, and they were compared with 10 control animals. Clinical, ocular and ultrasonographic examinations, and a complete necropsy of two animals per group with histological examination of the eye, were performed weekly. A bilateral immature cortical anterior cataract was diagnosed at ocular examination and confirmed by ultrasonography in affected ducks. Dyscoria was occasionally observed in affected animals. Severe cataract, with Morgagnian globules, severe anterior fibre liquefaction and disorganization were observed by photonic microscopy. No retinal or choroidal lesions were observed. No progression or repair of ultrasonographic and microscopic lesions could be detected during the 5 weeks of examination. The female predisposition for the ocular lesions suggests a congenital sex-linked recessive cataract.

Surgical repair of deep melting ulcers with porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) graft in dogs and cats.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of using a porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) graft for the surgical repair of deep melting ulcers in dogs and cats. METHODS: Two cats and five dogs presented with deep and large melting ulcers of the cornea. In each case, the necrotic and collagenolytic tissue of the cornea was removed by keratectomy. A SIS graft, 1 mm greater than the corneal defect, was rehydrated in sterile saline and sutured to the edges of the ulcer with a simple interrupted pattern of 9/0 polyglactin 910. A nictitating membrane flap was utilized in two cats and four dogs for 2 weeks. All cases were treated postoperatively with topical and systemic antibiotics, a systemic anti-inflammatory drug and topical atropine. All animals were re-evaluated 15 days, 4 weeks, 35-45 days, 2-3 months and 6 months postsurgery. RESULTS: At 15 days postsurgery, a superficial intense corneal neovascularization surrounded the SIS graft. No ocular discomfort was present and fluorescein staining was negative in all cases. At 4 weeks the SIS graft was thick and opaque in all cases, although in one cat the SIS graft had partially detached. Between 35 and 45 days, SIS graft integration was evident in all eyes, and corneal neovascularization had decreased progressively. All eyes healed without complications and retained corneal transparency. This occurred even in the presence of corneal perforation in two cases: one prior to and one during surgery. CONCLUSION: Results of our study suggest the SIS graft may be an effective alternative surgical treatment to the traditional conjunctival grafts commonly used to repair melting ulcers in dogs and cats. The advantages of using a SIS graft include good corneal transparency, preservation of corneal integrity and maintenance of vision.

Ocular findings in two colonies of gray mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and describe the characteristics of cataracts and other ocular lesions found in two colonies of gray mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus). ANIMALS STUDIED: A total number of 218 mouse lemurs (age range: 4 months-11 years) were included in this study. All individuals were property of the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle (France), and were housed either in Paris (colony #1: 75 animals examined), or in Brunoy (colony #2: 143 animals). METHODS: Ocular examinations were performed on all animals before and after pupil dilation, and included slit-lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy. In both colonies, a limited number of individuals were re-examined between several months and 2 years following the initial eye examinations. The eyes of five mouse lemurs with incipient or immature cataracts that died during this period were collected, and processed for routine histopathologic examination. RESULTS: A high incidence of cataracts was observed in both colonies (48% in colony #1; 21% in colony #2). Cataracts were predominantly bilateral, started in the anterior and/or posterior subcapsular area, and appeared to be slowly progressive. The earliest age at which lens opacities were observed was 3.5 years, and more than 50% of mouse lemurs over 7 years of age were diagnosed with cataracts. Complete cataracts led to blindness and were occasionally associated with other ocular lesions. CONCLUSION: We report a high incidence of acquired, slowly progressive, bilateral cataracts in two colonies of mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus). Further studies need to be conducted to determine the cause of this disease in this species.