The development of the normal Schirmer tear test results during the dog's first year of life.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between lacrimation and age in a homogeneous group of healthy beagle dogs during the first year of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Schirmer tear test I (STT I) was performed at an interval of 12-15 days in both eyes of 16 clinically healthy beagle dogs (eight males and eight females) from 94 to 361 days of age. Three different quadratic polynomial regression equations were estimated for the variation in lacrimation: (1) for the entire period (19 observations), (2) for observations 1-4 (days 94-136), and (3) for observations 5-19 (days 150-361). RESULTS: By fitting quadratic regression equations to different phases of tear production during the dog's first year of life, it was possible to see that with each day of life, lacrimation increased 0.08 times (8%). From days 94 to 136, however, lacrimal production fell 1.1 times with each day of life. From day 150 to 361, production increased by 0.02 (2%) each day of life. In addition, there was a positive significant and moderate linear correlation between body weight and STT I values (p = .01). CONCLUSION: In dogs, during the first year of life, STT I data distribution is parabolic in shape. Age significantly affected tear production. STT I decreased at approximately 108-121 days of age and increased thereafter. Body weight was a significant factor for STT I in young dogs. The establishment of this normal pattern of lacrimation is important for both clinical practitioners and laboratory studies.

Dacryops with extensive lacrimal and maxillary bone defects in four dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and discuss ventromedial orbital lacrimal gland or duct cysts (dacryops) in dogs with extensive bone defects based on their symptoms, results of diagnostic imaging and histopathological examination, and therapy and discuss their potential origin based on the morphology. ANIMALS STUDIED: Four dogs of different breeds, age, and sex were presented with a unilateral round, slow growing, indolent, and non-tender process ventromedial to the nasal canthus of the eye. PROCEDURES: Transverse computed tomography showed a low-density, non-contrast-enhancing cystic process ventromedial to the globe with extensive defects in the lacrimal and maxillary bones in all cases. The cystic character of the structure was confirmed by the aspiration of the brownish fluid without cellular and microbiological contents. For treatment, the cystic fluid was aspirated, and the sclerosing agent polidocanol was injected in three cases. Cystorhinostomy (nasal marsupialisation) was performed in one case as the first choice and in another case following failure of sclerotherapy. Histopathological examination of the cyst walls was performed in two cases and confirmed the diagnosis of dacryops. RESULTS: Follow-up between 2 and 18 months showed no recurrence and very good to excellent cosmetic results. CONCLUSIONS: Aberrant lacrimal gland or duct tissue with secondary development of dacryops should be included in the differential diagnoses of ventromedial orbital cysts. Large cysts near the lacrimal drainage system with extensive bone defects in dogs should be treated by nasal marsupialization. Treatments such as evacuation of the cyst and inducing sclerosis (sclerotherapy) should be reserved for exceptional cases.

Conjunctival dacryops in a domestic shorthair cat.

A 1-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat with a 1-week history of a conjunctival mass located in the dorsolateral quadrant of the right eye was presented to a referral hospital. Ophthalmic examination revealed a pink, fluctuant, and non-painful cystic swelling of the upper right palpebral conjunctiva. An ocular ultrasound confirmed the presence of a fluid-filled cystic structure that extended into the temporal orbit. The histopathology of the excisional biopsy revealed multiple cysts lined by ductal epithelium along with dilated lacrimal gland ducts and lymphocytic nodules adjacent to the dorsal lacrimal gland; consistent with a diagnosis of dacryops.

Dacryops conjonctivale chez un chat domestique à poil court. Une chatte domestique stérilisée de 1 an à poils courts avec une histoire d'une semaine d'une masse conjonctivale située dans le quadrant dorsolatéral de l'oeil droit a été présentée à un hôpital de référence. L'examen ophtalmologique a révélé une tuméfaction kystique rose, fluctuante et non douloureuse de la conjonctive palpébrale supérieure droite. Une échographie oculaire a confirmé la présence d'une structure kystique remplie de liquide qui s'est étendue dans l'orbite temporale. L'histopathologie de la biopsie excisée a révélé de multiples kystes bordés d'épithélium canalaire ainsi que des canaux glandulaires lacrymaux dilatés et des nodules lymphocytaires adjacents à la glande lacrymale dorsale; compatible avec un diagnostic de dacryops.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Lacrimal bone agenesis in a dog.

A 20-month-old neutered male dachshund dog was referred because of a 10-week history of swelling close to the medial canthus of the left eye. Recurrence of the lesion and cytological appearance of the fluid content were suggestive of inflammation. Computed tomography revealed a triangular-shaped bone defect in the skull deep to the lesion. Computed tomography dacryocystography demonstrated contrast medium pooling within the maxillary recess and nasal cavity rather than filling the lacrimal duct. Lacrimal bone agenesis was diagnosed. Key clinical message: Congenital skull including lacrimal bone agenesis may be responsible for swelling of the medial canthus of the eye and computed tomography dacryocystography is helpful in making a diagnosis.

Agénésie de l'os lacrymal chez un chien. Un teckel mâle castré âgé de 20 mois a été référé en raison d'une histoire de 10 semaines d'enflure près du canthus médial de l'oeil gauche. La récidive de la lésion et l'aspect cytologique du contenu liquidien suggéraient une inflammation. La tomodensitométrie a révélé un défaut osseux de forme triangulaire dans le crâne profondément à la lésion. La dacryocystographie par tomodensitométrie a démontré une accumulation de produit de contraste dans la cavité maxillaire et la cavité nasale plutôt que de remplir le canal lacrymal. Une agénésie de l'os lacrymal a été diagnostiquée.Message clinique clé :Le crâne congénital, y compris l'agénésie de l'os lacrymal, peut être responsable de l'enflure du canthus médial de l'oeil et la dacryocystographie par tomodensitométrie est utile pour poser un diagnostic.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Bilateral temporal dacryops in a cat.

A 1-year-old Maine Coon female spayed cat was presented for a 7-week history of bilateral pinkish masses located over the dorsotemporal conjunctival quadrants. Ophthalmic examination revealed the presence of bilateral temporal, slightly hyperemic, subconjunctival masses, fluctuant, and nonpainful. The remainder of the ocular examination was unremarkable. Ultrasound biomicroscopy and B-scan ultrasonography confirmed the presence of a bilateral cavitated and tubular structure, extending within the temporal orbit, with anechoic fluid-like content. Surgical removal was performed. Histopathology described the lesions as lacrimal gland tissue, markedly infiltrated by inflammatory cells, associated with cavitated structures filled with proteinaceous debris, and lined by flattened bilayered cuboidal epithelial cells. Bilateral adenitis of unknown origin and dacryops of the temporal lacrimal glands were diagnosed. Both surgical sites healed uneventfully, and no recurrence was reported on either eye during a 12-month follow-up period.

Intrasinus bolstering of traumatic maxillary sinus fractures by using Foley catheter balloons in two foals.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the repair of unstable facial fractures by using Foley catheter balloons as intrasinus bolsters. STUDY DESIGN: Case report ANIMALS: Two weanling foals with unilateral fractures of the sinus and orbit secondary to kick injuries. Preoperative imaging that included positive contrast dacrocystorhinography and computed tomography confirmed severe comminution of facial fractures and nasolacrimal duct disruption in both foals. METHODS: Small bone fragments were surgically removed, and large fragments were retained even when denuded of periosteum. Repair procedures included nasolacrimal canaliculosinusotomy and suturing fracture fragments together with polydioxanone sutures. After fixation, the fracture fragments could be depressed into the sinus with manual pressure, so two intrasinus Foley catheters were placed to bolster the sinus wall, with the tubing exiting through a frontal sinus trephine. The skin was completely closed over the fractures. Catheters and nasolacrimal stenting were maintained in place during fracture healing. RESULTS: One foal prematurely dislodged catheters and nasolacrimal stent 11 days after fixation. The catheters and stenting were removed as planned 4 weeks after surgery in the second foal. Wound, fracture healing, and overall cosmesis was good in both foals, and epiphora resolved. Surgical site infection, sinusitis, and sequestration did not occur. Both foals became high-level performance horses with acceptable cosmetic outcome and good bilateral nasal airflow. CONCLUSION: Foley catheter balloons supported sinus fracture repair and maintained stability of the surgical reconstruction during convalescence. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Suture repair of comminuted sinus fractures can be supported by using Foley catheters, which are readily available.

Congenital lacrimal fistula in two prim'Holstein calves.

Two 4- and 8-month-old prim'Holstein calves were presented for chronic epiphora. Examination of the affected eyes revealed an abnormal duct opening inferonasal to the medial canthus. A diagnosis of congenital lacrimal fistula was made based on conventional and computed tomographic-dacryocystography findings. These revealed an ectopic channel connecting the nasolacrimal duct to the skin opening near the medial canthus. Both of the calves were surgically treated with resection and closure of the ectopic duct and placement of a nasolacrimal stent.

Corneal sensitivity and tear production in 108 horses with ocular disease.

PURPOSE: To compare corneal sensitivity and tear production in horses with keratitis to horses with other ocular disease. METHOD: Retrospective medical record review was used to identify equine patients presented during a 1-year period for an ocular complaint who had Schirmer Tear Test (STT) or Corneal Touch Threshold (CTT) measured. Variables studied included patient age and sex; affected eye; category of presenting ocular complaint (keratitis vs. other ocular complaint); STT; and CTT. Patients with a complaint of ulcerative keratitis, immune-mediated keratitis, and stromal abscess were categorized in the keratitis group. Patients with a complaint of uveitis, as well as lid, lens, or retinal disease, were categorized in the group having other ocular disease. For patients presenting more than once in 2013, only the first visit at which STT or CTT was measured was included. For patients with bilateral disease, STT and CTT of both eyes were averaged. RESULTS: A total of 108 patients were included, 45 with keratitis and 63 with other ocular disease. Average age was 13.65 years, with more males (77) than females (31). Adjusted for age, STT in affected eyes did not differ significantly between the two groups (keratitis = 29.92 mm/min; other ocular disease = 27.96 mm/min), but CTT was significantly lower in patients with keratitis (33.78 mm) than in patients with other ocular disease (40.10 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Corneal sensitivity may be decreased in patients with keratitis. It is not known whether this is a cause or an effect of corneal disease.

Differential diagnoses, investigation, and management of a periocular swelling close to the nasolacrimal duct in a horse - A case report of Dacryops.

To describe the differential diagnoses, investigation, and management of a periocular swelling close to the nasolacrimal duct in a horse that was consistent with a nasolacrimal duct dacryops (lacrimal cyst). A 16-year-old gelding, Connemara cross presented with a history of a periocular swelling rostroventral medial to the right eye that had been sampled by the referring veterinary surgeon. A cystic lesion was diagnosed following standing computed tomography. Surgical removal of the cystic lesion was performed, and the tissue was submitted for histopathologic and immunohistochemical examination. Surgical removal of the cyst was curative, and there was no recurrence of clinical signs 7 months later. There was a small amount of mineralized material in the center of the cyst. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical examination confirmed a nasolacrimal duct cyst. Dacryops can form in horses as well as other species and appears to have a favorable outcome if surgically removed.

Alleviation of Epiphora by Canaliculosinostomy into the Caudal Maxillary Sinus in the Horse.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a technique of canaliculosinostomy into the caudal maxillary sinus to alleviate epiphora secondary to nasolacrimal duct obstruction and to report the long-term outcome in 5 horses. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Five client-owned horses. METHODS: Case records of all horses presented for chronic epiphora to a single equine hospital that underwent surgical treatment were reviewed. All included horses had a Jones test or dacryocystography to confirm nasolacrimal duct obstruction. All horses were anesthetized and canaliculosinostomy was created from the medial canthus of the eye into the caudal maxillary sinus using a Steinmann pin and Jacob's chuck. A Foley catheter was placed normograde through the stoma. The inflated bulb held the Foley in place in the sinus, while the proximal end was pulled through the upper eyelid and sutured to the skin on the head. The Foley catheter was maintained in place for 3 weeks and then removed under sedation. RESULTS: Five horses were included. There were no intraoperative difficulties or complications. One horse dislodged the Foley catheter 3 days postoperatively. No other postoperative complications occurred. Followup was available for all horses. One horse was euthanatized for unrelated reasons 10 weeks postoperative at which time epiphora was resolved. The remaining 4 horses had resolution of epiphora at followup (24-46 months postoperative). CONCLUSION: This report describes a simple technique for canaliculosinostomy into the caudal maxillary sinus and long-term outcome in 4 of 5 horses, all of which had resolution of epiphora. This technique can be used to resolve epiphora of various etiologies.

Dacryocystography in a cat with orbital pneumatosis.

A 2-year-old neutered male European short-haired cat was presented for a persistent discharge from the scar of previous left eye enucleation, performed 6 months prior by the referring veterinarian. A surgical exploration of the orbit was performed and retained nictitating membrane glandular and conjunctival tissues were removed. Eleven days later, the cat developed an orbital pneumatosis caused by retrograde movement of air through a patent nasolacrimal system and diagnosed by survey radiographic examination of the skull. Nasolacrimal system patency was assessed by dacryocystography performed by injection of iodinated contrast medium under pressure into the orbital cavity. Computed tomography dacryocystography confirmed the radiographic findings. The condition resolved following dacryocystography, possibly as an inflammatory response to the contrast medium. To our knowledge, this is the first case of orbital pneumatosis reported in a cat.

Canine dacryolithiasis: a case description and mineral analysis.

A 4-year-old, female, spayed, Labrador retriever was presented with a painless swelling of the left ventromedial eyelid and epiphora of 3 months duration. Bilateral patency of the nasolacrimal system was confirmed by the appearance of fluorescein dye at both nares. Ultrasonography revealed a well-demarcated fluid-filled structure containing echogenic ill-defined material in close proximity to the nasolacrimal system. A transconjunctival surgical approach confirmed the close anatomical proximity of the cyst and the absence of a communication with the inferior canaliculus. The cyst contained multiple intraluminal calculi (dacryoliths). Following surgical excision of the cyst, the epiphora resolved and no recurrence was noted over a 12-month follow-up period. On histopathology, the cystic structure was lined by stratified squamous epithelium, consistent with lacrimal canaliculus epithelium. Presumed progression of a canalicular diverticulum to a cyst with the formation of intraluminal dacryoliths was suspected. Mineral analysis of the dacryoliths revealed a calcium carbonate composition.

Iatrogenic nasolacrimal duct obstruction following tooth extraction in a cat.

A 10-year-old DSH cat was referred for a dental evaluation and extraction procedure. Subsequently, the animal developed an acute onset of ocular discharge. Ophthalmologic examination revealed presence of unilateral ocular mucoid discharge leading to a diagnosis of epiphora secondary to nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Dacryocystorhinography was performed and confirmed the presence of a nasolacrimal duct obstruction, presumably acquired after an invasive dental procedure. Additionally, a vinyl cast in situ study of the nasolacrymal apparatus was performed to demonstrate the route of the nasolacrimal duct in the cat and its relationship to oral dental structures. This report documents an unusual case in which excessive inflammation/edema following tooth extraction caused acute epiphora secondary to extraluminal compression of the distal nasolacrimal duct.

Conjunctival dacryops in two golden retrievers.

Two 5-month-old golden retriever dogs were referred for the evaluation of a mass arising from the left ventrolateral conjunctiva of the lower eyelid. The masses were externally located, deemed to be cystic in nature, and were surgically removed, and in one case, 0.15 mL of clear fluid was collected. Cytological examination of the aspirated fluid revealed proteinaceous, basophilic amorphous material, and few epithelial cells with foamy cytoplasm and small nuclei. No micro-organisms were detected. Histological examination of the cysts showed a wall composed of single to double cell layers. The cells were cuboidal to flattened, nonciliated, lined with mild submucosal connective tissues and slight inflammation composed of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and rare macrophages. In some areas, lobules of acinar glandular tissue were observed. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report of conjunctival dacryops in dogs. The complete surgical removal of the cysts was curative in both cases.

Bilateral congenital lacrimal fistula in a Brown Swiss bull.

A five-year-old Brown Swiss bull was referred to the Department of Farm Animals, University of Zurich, because of bilateral epiphora that was unresponsive to treatment. Clinical examination revealed a fistulous opening medial to the medial canthus of both eyes and mucopurulent discharge from both openings. Attempts to flush the nasolacrimal duct via the lacrimal points resulted in the fluid exiting via the fistulous opening. Retrograde flushing of the nasolacrimal duct from the nasolacrimal opening resulted in the flush fluid flowing back out the nasolacrimal opening. Bilateral lacrimal fistula medial to the medial canthus of the eye was diagnosed based on the findings. The same anomaly was diagnosed a year later in 4 related female animals referred to our Department for other reasons. Three of the cases were sired by the bull described above and one was sired by his half-brother. Therefore, an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance of this anomaly was assumed. Clinical, epidemiological and molecular studies of the offspring of both bulls are underway to further investigate this anomaly.

Dacryops with dacryolithiasis in a dog.

BACKGROUND: A 10-year-old castrated male Maltese dog was presented with chronic swelling that had been present for at least 5 years in the medial canthus of the right eye (OD). OBJECTIVES: To describe the treatment outcome of dacryops with dacryolithiasis. METHODS: Bilateral patency of the nasolacrimal system was confirmed by flushing of both upper and lower puncta. Ocular ultrasonography revealed a well-defined, oval-shaped, heterogeneous mass with several hyperechoic foci. Dacryocystorhinography revealed no connection between the mass and lacrimal canaliculus. Gentle blunt dissection of the fibrous connective tissue around the cystic mass was performed. The mass was removed, which intraluminally contained multiple calculi. RESULTS: Histopathologically, the cystic structure was lined by simple cuboidal epithelium and surrounded by smooth muscle actin positive myoepithelial cells consistent with dacryops derived from the lacrimal glandular ductal system. In addition, several spherical basophilic minerals were observed in the lumen, which were identified as dacryoliths. CONCLUSION: Surgical removal of this dacryops with dacryolithiasis was curative without recurrence after four months.

Schirmer tear test and strip meniscometry in healthy cats.

BACKGROUND: The surface of the eye is covered by the preocular tear film, which is critical for maintaining a normal, healthy, visual, and comfortable vision. The Schirmer tear test (STT) and, more recently, strip meniscometry (SM) are used to evaluate tear production. AIM: To establish the normal values for STT and SM in healthy cats and to discover the correlation between these tests. METHODS: A total of 25 mixed breed cats, aging from 8 months to 13 years of both genders (10 females and 15 males) were included in the study. All the cats were assigned to the study as being both clinically and ophthalmologically healthy. For the SM test, the tip of the strip was used to evaluate the meniscus without touching the eyelid or the cornea for 5 seconds. After a full tear washout period of 10 minutes, the STT was performed using a standard STT strip. RESULTS: In the right eyes, the mean ± standard deviation (SD) of SM was 4.32 ± 2.27 mm/5 seconds, and in the left eyes it was 5.04 ± 2.24 mm/5 seconds (for both eyes combined: 4.68 ± 2.26 mm/5 seconds), with a median of 4 in both eyes; the reference values ranged from 4.04 to 5.32 mm/5 seconds. No significant differences were recorded in the SM between the right and left eyes of the cats when using the SM (p > 0.05). When the STT was used, the mean ± SD for the cats' right eyes was 12.16 ± 4.04 mm/minute, and for the left eyes, it was 12.76 ± 4.1 mm/minute (for both eyes combined: 12.46 ± 4.20 mm/minute), with a median of 13.50 for both eyes. Reference values were calculated and ranged from 11.27 to 13.65 mm/minute. No significant differences were recorded between the STT for the right and left eyes (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both tests can, therefore, be used to assess tear production in cats. For more precise results, SM should be evaluated according to the cat's eye position-whether it is a brachiocephalic cat or a normaloid cat-and according to the age. In all cases, STT and SM should be evaluated according to the animal's clinical status and the results of other diagnostic tools.

[Ocular thelaziosis in a dog in Germany - an autochthonous case?] / Okuläre Thelaziose bei einem Hund in Deutschland ­ ein autochthoner Fall?

Thelazia callipaeda is a vector-borne nematode transmitted by Phortica spp. (fruit flies) and one of the causes of mild to severe conjunctivitis and keratitis in dogs, cats, rabbits and humans. It has been formerly known as the oriental eye worm based on its geographic occurrence. By now, it has been shown to be endemic in several southern and eastern European countries as well as extending its geographic distribution further throughout Europe. In the present case report, T. callipaeda infection was diagnosed in a female dog from Germany. The dog was referred by a local veterinarian due to a treatment-resistant conjunctivitis. A comprehensive ophthalmologic examination revealed 3 adult eye worms in the conjunctival sac as well as on the bulbar side of the nictitating membrane of the left eye. These were identified by morphological features and molecular techniques as T. callipaeda and represented the primary cause of the dog's unilateral blepharospasm, hyperemic conjunctiva and epiphora. Treatment consisted of manual collection of the adult worms and the administration of moxidectin/imidacloprid as spot on (Advocate®, Bayer). All clinical signs resolved within one week after treatment. In Germany, ocular thelaziosis still represents a rare disease. Usually, it is diagnosed in cats and dogs either imported from abroad or accompanying the owners on holiday travels to endemic countries. The dog presented in this case report was born in Germany. Except for a one-week stay in the Netherlands 11 months before the symptoms began, it had never traveled abroad. Considering the prepatency of T. callipaeda, an autochthonous transmission in this case is highly probable.

Radiotherapy for canine chronic superficial keratitis using soft X-rays (15 kV).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of soft X-ray therapy in the treatment of refractory chronic superficial keratitis (CSK). ANIMALS STUDIED: Thirteen dogs with severe CSK, that had been refractory to prior medical and/or surgical therapy were treated with soft X-ray therapy. PROCEDURES: Both corneas of each dog were irradiated with soft X-rays (15 kV), to a total dose of 30 Gy, administered as two fractions over 48-96 h. Treatment was carried out under deep sedation in all dogs. Three dogs were treated by superficial lamellar keratectomy 48 h prior to radiotherapy. Changes in the extent of corneal pigmentation, pigment density and corneal vascularization were documented using a semi-quantitative grading scheme, schematic drawings and clinical photographs. RESULTS: Only minor, transient adverse effects of treatment, such as photophobia, epiphora and blepharitis were noted. Overall the effect of soft X-rays on the course of the keratitis was superior when compared to the effect of Sr-90 irradiation that had been determined in a previous study. CONCLUSION: Soft X-ray irradiation combined with keratectomy is a safe and effective new treatment option for severe and advanced CSK with significant visual impairment due to corneal pathology.