Recurrent corneal hemangiosarcoma in a cat with subsequent extension into the orbit.

A 7-year-old neutered female Domestic Short-haired cat was presented for evaluation of ulceration and severe vascularization of the left cornea. Ophthalmic examination revealed a large red irregular mass over the whole cornea in the left eye. A lamellar keratectomy was performed. Histopathology revealed a chronic lymphoplasmacytic, histocytic, neutrophilic ulcerative keratitis with fibrosis and vascularization. The tumor recurred within 3 months, and another lamellar keratectomy and sclerotomy were performed. The lesion was diagnosed histopathologically as a hemangiosarcoma with incomplete margins. The mass recurred locally 6 weeks later, and an enucleation was performed. Histopathology revealed infiltration of the limbus and connective tissue beyond the sclera. Seven weeks later, a fluctuant swelling was found in the left orbit. Computed tomography confirmed a soft tissue attenuating mass measuring 33 x 24 mm diameter in the orbit. There was no sign of metastasis. Clinical remission was achieved with combined chemotherapy with doxorubicin and radiation therapy. The patient remained in clinical remission 20 months post-chemotherapy.

Development of a vision impairment score for the assessment of functional vision in dogs: Initial evidence of validity, reliability, and responsiveness.

AIM: To describe the development and initial validation of a questionnaire measuring functional vision in dogs. METHODS: A 17-item survey was designed to quantify functional vision in dogs. The Vision Impairment Score (VIS) was determined by summing responses to each question. Questions were assigned to one of five subcategories: overall vision, daily activities, peripheral vision, near vision, and distance vision. Content validity was established during development phases, and construct validity via comparing results of known groups (blind vs sighted; normal vs impaired vision; surgery to improve vision vs nonrestorative surgery), and through factor analysis. Concurrent criterion validity was determined with use of a validated health-related quality-of-life (HRQL) assessment tool. Reliability and responsiveness assessments were investigated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and effect size (ES), respectively. RESULTS: Responses (221) from 201 dog owners were included. Compared to sighted dogs (n = 153), blind dogs (n = 48) had a higher VIS and greater impairment in all subcategories. Among sighted dogs, a higher VIS was obtained in dogs with low vision compared to those with normal vision (P < 0.001). A higher VIS was associated with poorer HRQL (P < 0.001). Perfect reliability was obtained for 6/17 questions, and excellent reliability for 11/17 questions (intraclass correlation 1.0 and >0.9, respectively), and the VIS was highly responsive to therapeutic intervention (effect size 1.46). CONCLUSION: Results suggest the VIS may be clinically useful in assessing and obtaining a quantifiable measure of functional vision in dogs. Ongoing validation of the tool for clinical use is needed.

Early postoperative results of Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty in six dogs with corneal endothelial dystrophy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and assess the clinical outcome and intraoperative and postoperative complications of Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) in the treatment of canine corneal endothelial dystrophy. ANIMALS STUDIED: Six dogs (six eyes) diagnosed with progressive corneal edema resulting from abnormal dystrophic endothelial cells underwent Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty. PROCEDURES: Six patients underwent Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK). The patients were examined preoperatively and postoperatively at 24 hours, 7 days, 1, 2, and 3 months after surgery. Corneal edema and ultrasonic pachymetry were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. The positions of DSEK grafts were evaluated 3 months after surgery using optical coherence tomography. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were noted. RESULTS: The degree of corneal edema and corneal thickness improved postoperatively in all the patients (n = 6). Fibrin was encountered intraoperatively in one out of the six eyes (1/6) and postoperatively in two out of the six eyes (2/6). One out of the six DSEK grafts was partially scrolled (1/6). Secondary ocular hypertension was observed in one out of the six eyes (1/6). Corneal vascularization was encountered in four out of six patients (4/6). CONCLUSIONS: Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty is an effective surgical treatment option for corneal endothelial dystrophy in dogs. Corneal edema resolved and corneal thickness reduced significantly. The early postoperative results are encouraging. Further investigation is warranted to document any long-term complications and to study the longevity of the transplanted grafts.