Conjunctival Extramedullary Plasmacytoma in Dogs and a Cat: Clinical Characteristics and Histopathological Findings.

BACKGROUND: Extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is a plasma cell tumor that is very rarely reported in ocular and adnexal tissue and is usually solitary and benign. METHODS: This study evaluated seven cases from different ophthalmology referrals submitted for histopathological analysis between 2013 and 2022. RESULTS: EMPs were diagnosed in a 9-year-old domestic short-haired cat and in six dogs (median age, 10 years): three English Cocker Spaniels, a Golden Retriever, a Maltese, and a Pinscher. EMPs affected the third eyelid conjunctiva in five cases (5/7), followed by the superior bulbar (1/7) and palpebral conjunctivae (1/7), respectively, and were presented mostly as well-defined, salmon-colored nodules. Histopathologically, the masses were composed of sheets and packets of round cells morphologically consistent with mature plasma cells with mild anisocytosis and anisokaryosis; mitosis and binucleated giant cells were rarely observed. Follow up for 6/7 cases ranged from 6 months to 2 years. No signs of recurrence or systemic involvement (multiple myeloma) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: EMP should be included in the differential diagnoses of canine and feline conjunctival masses. Staging recommendations should include multiple myeloma diagnostic evaluation. Our results suggest that primary conjunctival EMP does not appear to be locally aggressive and has low systemic involvement behavior. The local surgical excision alone or combined with cryotherapy should be curative.

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.

Successful treatment of distichiasis in a cow using a direct-contact 810-nm diode laser.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the use of direct-contact diode laser as a new treatment for distichiasis. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. ANIMALS: A 2-month-old Italian Friesian calf with bilateral excessive tearing and corneal opacification was presented to the Visionvet Eye Clinic. Abnormalities on ophthalmic examination included epiphora, seromucous discharge, bilateral distichiasis and secondary chronic keratitis affecting both eyes. METHODS: Distichiae were surgically removed after insertion of the 810-nm diode laser tip into the associated meibomian gland. RESULTS: Clinical signs gradually improved postoperatively with minimal and transient post-operative complications. Ophthalmic examination was within normal limits 6 months later beyond distichiae. CONCLUSION: Treatment of distichiasis with direct-contact 810-nm diode laser resulted in long-term resolution of signs in the case described here.

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.

Effect of three treatment protocols on acute ocular hypertension after phacoemulsification and aspiration of cataracts in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of topical latanoprost, intracameral carbachol, or no adjunctive medical therapy on the development of acute postoperative hypertension (POH) and inflammation after routine phacoemulsification and aspiration (PA) of cataracts in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study. PROCEDURES: Dogs received either one drop of topical 0.005% latanoprost (21 dogs, 39 eyes), an intracameral injection of 0.3 mL of 0.01% carbachol (15 dogs, 30 eyes), or no adjunctive therapy (46 dogs, 90 eyes) immediately following PA of cataract(s). Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured in all dogs 2 and 4 h after surgery. IOP was measured and aqueous flare assessed at 8 am the day after surgery. RESULTS: Carbachol-treated dogs had significantly higher mean IOP (33.2 +/- SD 20.8 mmHg) 2 h after surgery than dogs receiving no adjunctive therapy (22.0 +/- SD 14.1 mmHg) (P = 0.049). There were no significant differences in IOP among groups at any other time point. There were no significant differences in number of POH episodes between dogs treated with carbachol (47%), latanoprost (29%), or dogs that received no adjunctive therapy (33%). There were no significant differences in mean aqueous flare grade between eyes treated with latanoprost (1.7 +/- SD 0.4) or carbachol (1.4 +/- SD 0.6), and eyes that received no adjunctive therapy (1.7 +/- SD 0.4). CONCLUSIONS: Topical 0.005% latanoprost or intracameral injection of 0.3 mL of 0.01% carbachol after PA in dogs did not reduce POH or increase intraocular inflammation compared to dogs not receiving adjunctive therapy after PA of cataracts.