A multicenter retrospective evaluation of the prevalence of known and presumed hereditary eye diseases in Lagotto Romagnolo dog breed within a referral population in Italy (2012-2020).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the ophthalmological findings of Lagotto Romagnolo dog breed and to report the prevalence of Known and Presumed Hereditary Eye Diseases (KP-HED). ANIMALS STUDIED: Two hundred sixteen dogs were examined and included in this retrospective study. PROCEDURES: Medical records of Lagotto Romagnolo dogs between 2012 and 2020 were included. Data about the ocular status were collected through ocular screening examinations (OSE) or clinical ophthalmic examinations (COE). The prevalence of each KP-HED was expressed as a function of the total number of the KP-HED in this referral population. RESULTS: A total of 85 dogs (39.35%) were ophthalmologically healthy, ocular diseases presumably not hereditary were found in 43 dogs (19.91%), and 88 dogs (40.74%) were affected by one KP-HED. The most common KP-HEDs diagnosed were cataract (28/88; 31.82%), corneal endothelial dystrophy (17/88; 19.32%), retinal dysplasia (9/88; 10.23%), lens instability (7/88; 7.95%), progressive retinal atrophy (6/88, 6.82%), and keratoconjunctivitis sicca (6/88, 6.82%). Most of dogs with a KP-HED (77.27%, 68/88) were identified within COE group. CONCLUSIONS: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of the prevalence of ocular disease in the Lagotto Romagnolo dog breed within a referral population in Italy. This study suggests a relatively high prevalence of KP-HED, with a characteristic late-onset presentation in some diseases. Many of these KP-HED's, lead to ocular pain and irreversible blindness, for this reason, the authors highlight the importance of aiming for an early diagnosis. Breeder's efforts and breeding programs should be directed at limiting such disorders.

The effects of soft cryotherapy on conjunctiva and cornea in isolated pig eyes and comparison with standard liquid nitrogen: A pilot ex vivo study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the immediate effects on cornea and conjunctiva of a cryosurgical method based on the application of a dimethyl ether, propane and isobutene solution (DMEPI, Histofreezer® ), and of Liquid Nitrogen (LN2 ; Cry-Ac Cryogun® ). METHODS: A total of 52 isolated pig eyes were obtained at the slaughterhouse, preserved for less than one hour in Ringer Lactate and divided into four groups. The first group included eyes treated with two applications of DMEPI in the center of the cornea, the second group eyes treated with DMEPI on the third eyelid's conjunctiva, the third group eyes treated with LN2 on the third eyelid's conjunctiva and the fourth group included eyes treated with LN2 on the central cornea. Each cryogen application (0.8 cm area) lasted 40 seconds. Each group included one (untreated) control eye. The eyes were submitted for routine histopathological evaluation. Histological alterations were recorded and scored with a semiquantitative scoring system. RESULTS: No tissue alteration was detected on the conjunctiva, in any of the groups. Treated corneas showed mild to moderate cytoplasmic vacuolization of epithelial cells, shrinkage and hypereosinophilia of small groups of basal epithelial cells and stromal cleft formation. CONCLUSIONS: Soft cryosurgery caused no severe acute histologically detectable damage to cornea and conjunctiva in isolated pig eyes, and no significant difference was observed when LN2 and DMEPI treatments were compared. Further in vivo studies should be performed in order to verify possible delayed effects and the clinical efficacy of DMEPI cryosurgery in specific corneal and/or conjunctival diseases.

Use of episcleral cyclosporine implants in dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca: pilot study.

PURPOSE: To describe the use, tolerability, and efficacy of episcleral silicone matrix cyclosporine (ESMC) implants in dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). METHODS: Retrospective study. ESMC implants (1.9 cm length, 30% wt/wt CsA in silicone; with approximately 12 mg of CsA loaded into them) were used in dogs with KCS responsive to topical CsA (good candidate, GC) or not responsive (poor candidate, PC). Ocular surface inflammation scores, Schirmer tear test (STT) values, and ocular discharge quantity were evaluated and compared. RESULTS: Twenty-seven eyes (15 dogs) received an ESMC implant for KCS; 15 eyes were considered GC, and 12 were considered PC. Both GC eyes and PC eyes showed a significant increase in STT values (increase of 7.7 and 8.5 mm/min; P = 0.023 and P = 0.003, respectively) after placement of ESMC implants (mean follow-up 18 ± 2 and 10.4 ± 15 months, respectively). Clinical signs improved significantly in both groups during the same follow-up, with reduction in conjunctival hyperemia (P < 0.001), corneal neovascularization (P = 0.004), corneal opacity (P = 0.003), and ocular discharge (P = 0.002). ESMC implants were well tolerated by all dogs, but two eyes lost the device at 12-months and 1-week follow-up, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study suggest that the EMSC implants were well tolerated and efficacious in dogs with KCS responsive to topical CsA as well as dogs with poor response to topical therapy. Further study is needed to determine the duration of efficacy and optimal dose of CsA.

Diode laser photoablation to correct distal nasolacrimal duct atresia in an adult horse.

CASE DESCRIPTION: An 8-year-old Hanoverian mare was presented for chronic mucopurulent discharge in the left eye, which was responsive to topical antibiotic therapy. CLINICAL FINDINGS: The nasolacrimal orifice was absent in the left nasal meatum, and anterograde irrigation of left nasolacrimal duct was not possible. Dacryocystorhinography was performed and revealed about 4-6 cm of distal nasolacrimal duct atresia. SURGICAL TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: A novel technique was attempted with the horse under standing sedation using an urinary catheter and a 980 nm diode laser with a 600 µm diameter flexible bare quartz fiber. A nasolacrimal orifice was successfully created by ablating the nasal mucosa directly over the tip of the urinary catheter, and patency was maintained with a soft catheter sutured in place for 4 weeks. At 3 months re-evaluation, the left nasolacrimal duct was patent and functional. CONCLUSION: This case report describes a successful novel surgical technique used to correct congenital distal nasolacrimal duct atresia in an adult horse under standing sedation. Advantages over conventional surgical techniques are shorter operating time and limited hemorrhage.

Amniotic membrane transplantation for the treatment of feline corneal sequestrum: pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe and evaluate the use of equine amniotic membrane trans-plantation after lamellar keratectomy for the treatment of corneal sequestrum in cats. METHODS: Six cats (seven eyes) of various breed and ages with corneal sequestra were treated surgically with lamellar keratectomy and amniotic membrane transplantation. All the sequestra and a small piece of the amniotic membranes used for each surgery were submitted for histopathologic examination. RESULTS: Five of the seven eyes showed minimal level of scarring in the cornea and good transparency. No recurrences of the sequestra have been noted during the follow-up period (3-9 months). One eye had necrosis of the amniotic membrane 2 weeks after the surgery. The sequestrum of this eye showed a high level of bacterial contamination on histopathology. Three months later the same cat developed a descemetocele in the area where the necrotic amniotic membrane was rejected. A second eye developed a perforation under the amniotic membrane two weeks after the surgery. The sequestrum of this eye was deep and without vascularization. CONCLUSION: Amniotic membrane transplantation after lamellar keratectomy was a valid procedure for surgical treatment of corneal sequestrum in cats. The procedure resulted in excellent cosmesis and functional vision in five of seven eyes; although case selection is important, particularly to exclude the very deep and non-vascularized sequestra.

Use of four-layer porcine small intestinal submucosa alone as a scaffold for the treatment of deep corneal defects in dogs and cats: preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: To describe the efficacy of four-layer porcine small intestinal submucosa (Vetrix BioSIS plus+) as single scaffold for the treatment of deep corneal lesions in dogs and cats. METHODS: 10 dogs and 3 cats with deep or full thickness corneal defects were treated surgically with BioSIS plus graft. Corneal transparency scores and vision were evaluated. RESULTS: Lesions in dogs were four perforations, three descemetoceles, two limbal melanocytomas and one deep corneal ulcer. In cats, there were one limbal melanocytoma and two perforations. The average length of the follow-up was 86 days. In all, 12 out of 13 eyes treated were visual at last recheck (92.3 per cent). The scars were mild eight cases (66.7 per cent), but denser in four cases (33.4 per cent). Complication were partial collagenolysis in three cases (25 per cent), which resolved with medical therapy, mild corneal pigmentation in one case (8.4 per cent) and anterior synechia in one case (8.4 per cent). One case experienced severe collagenolysis and was enucleated 21 days postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Four-layer porcine SIS graft was successfully used for surgical treatment of deep corneal lesions in selected corneal diseases in a small series of dogs and cats, with good results in terms of mechanic support and corneal transparency.

Acquired neurogenic foreign accent syndrome after right-hemisphere lesion with left cerebellar diaschisis: A longitudinal study.

Patients affected by acquired neurogenic foreign accent syndrome (ANFAS) start speaking with a new accent that resembles that of a foreign language. ANFAS has been reported following left-hemisphere damage, but it is extremely rare after right-hemisphere damage. We described KKE, a right-hemisphere-damaged patient. His cognitive functions were largely intact and he was not aphasic. Nonetheless, KKE showed a marked foreing accent which was mainly judged as Slavic. Positron emission tomography revealed left cerebellar diaschisis, even if the cerebellum did not appear lesioned, on MRI scans. Remarkably, KKE still showed ANFAS three years after lesion onset. We propose that this very rare variant of ANFAS, after right-hemisphere lesion, can be due to the damage of a complex cerebral network involving supra- and infra-tentorial structures.

Bilateral orbital and nasal aspergillosis in a cat.

A 12-year-old, 4 kg, castrated male Persian cat was referred with a 2-month history of sneezing and bilateral mucopurulent nasal discharge. Rhinoscopically acquired nasal biopsies at this time revealed bilateral lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis. A tapering dose of oral prednisone caused the complete remission of the clinical signs, but 2 months after discontinuation of the therapy, the rhinitis recurred and the OD became exophthalmic. Computed tomography showed a soft tissue mass in both sides of the nasal cavity, both frontal sinuses, the right orbit, and to a lesser extent the left orbit. A fine needle aspirate of the right orbit revealed pyogranulomatous inflammation and Aspergillus spp. hyphae. Repeat nasal biopsy demonstrated multi-focal necrosis and a mixed inflammatory cell process which now included macrophages and scattered septate fungal hyphae. A few days later the cat became bilaterally blind and a contrast enhancing lesion involving the optic chiasm was found on magnetic resonance imaging. Despite a poor prognosis, therapy consisted of exenteration of the right orbit and trephination of both frontal sinuses before the planned initiation of medical antifungal therapy. Unfortunately, the cat died of cardiac arrest intraoperatively. Aspergillus fumigatus was cultured from both orbits at necropsy. Orbital aspergillosis has been rarely reported in cats and its relationship with lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis is unclear. In this patient lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis or previous antibiotic/corticosteroid therapy may have allowed secondary fungal invasion of the nasal mucosa and subsequently both orbits and the brain. Alternatively, Aspergillus infection may have preceded the lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis.