Ectopic cilia in 112 dogs: A multicenter retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study was to review the clinical data and outcomes of patients that suffered ectopic cilium (EC). ANIMALS STUDIED: One hundred and twelve dogs from multiple private practices in France, with a clinical diagnosis of EC were included in the study. RESULTS: The mean age of affected dogs was 2.3 years. There were 64 females and 48 males. The most represented breeds were the Shi Tzu, the French Bulldog, the English Bulldog and the Chihuahua. Eleven dogs were affected bilaterally. The upper eyelid was implicated in 93.5% of the cases, with the median portion being the most affected. No statistical difference was observed between the right and the left eye. EC were associated with distichiasis in 50% of the cases. Pigmentation of the conjunctiva at the point of exit of the EC was present in 58% of the cases. EC were short in 75% and long in 25% of the cases. Corneal complications were statistically associated with short EC. The corneal lesions associated with EC were keratitis (94%), corneal granuloma (0.8%), corneal fibrosis (2.7%), corneal degeneration (0.8%), superficial corneal ulcer (68.7%), deep corneal ulcer (8%) and perforating corneal ulcer (0.8%). The surgeries which consisted of the removal of the hair follicle was successful in 88.4% of the cases. CONCLUSION: EC is a rare condition which can be treated successfully by the removal of the hair follicles. It must be suspected in cases of corneal lesions unresponsive to medical treatment.

Corneal epithelial inclusion cysts in 12 dogs (13 eyes) from 2010 to 2019: A multicentric retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study was to review the clinical data and outcomes of patients that suffered corneal epithelial inclusion cysts (CEIC). Animals studied Thirteen eyes from 12 dogs from multiple private practices in France and Belgium, with a strong clinical of CEIC were included in the study. RESULTS: The mean age of affected dogs was 9 years. There were 9 females and 3 males. Two out of 12 dogs were Shih Tzus. Where identified, etiology was traumatic. Eleven dogs were affected unilaterally, 1 bilaterally. The cysts were single, bi-lobulated, or tri-lobulate, and cyst size ranged from 1 to 6 mm in diameter. Keratectomy alone was performed in seven cases, in conjunction with a conjunctival graft in three cases, a porcine small intestine mucosa graft in two cases, or an amniotic membrane graft in one case. Histopathologic findings were consistent in all eyes with a cyst located in the corneal stroma, composed of a nonkeratinized squamous epithelium delineating a lumen filled with neutrophils and desquamated epithelial cells. Surgery was curative in all cases but one, where the removal was incomplete and recurrence occurred several weeks after the surgery. CONCLUSION: Corneal epithelial inclusion cysts is a rare condition, secondary to corneal trauma, which can be treated successfully with conventional keratectomy alone or in conjunction with graft procedures.

Intra- and interobserver reliability of lens equatorial length measurement using 35-MHz ultrasound biomicroscopy in dogs with cataract.

PURPOSE: To determine intra- and interobserver reliability of lens equatorial length measurement using 35-MHz ultrasound biomicroscopy in dogs with cataract. METHODS: Ocular ultrasonography was performed on 28 dogs (50 eyes) before phacoemulsification. Lens equatorial length was measured on still images obtained at 35 MHz in all dogs. Each observer (A and B) obtained the measurements independently. Coefficients of variation (CVs) were used to assess intraobserver repeatability and interobserver reproducibility. Intraobserver repeatability was assessed by comparing measurements obtained on the same image on four different occasions by observer A. Interobserver reproducibility was assessed by comparing measurements obtained independently by both observers on the same image. RESULTS: CV used to assess intraobserver repeatability was 2.4% with good agreement and no significant difference between repetitions (P > 0.05). CV used to assess interobserver reproducibility was 5.8% without significant difference between measurements obtained by the two observers (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Intraobserver repeatability and interobserver reproducibility were considered good for lens equatorial length measurement at 35 MHz in dogs with cataract. Ultrasound biomicroscopy could be an acceptable method to assess lens equatorial dimension before phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in dogs with cataract.

Marsupialization of a cyst of the nictitating membrane in three dogs.

BACKGROUND: Development of cysts has been reported as a potential complication after surgical repositioning of nictitating membrane gland protrusion using the conjunctival pocket technique. To the authors' knowledge, no treatment for these cysts has ever been published. OBJECTIVES: This short case series describes a surgical technique of marsupialization as a treatment option for these cysts and proposes a pathogenesis for cyst formation. CASES DESCRIPTION: Three dogs were each referred for a unilateral subconjunctival mass-like lesion involving the bulbar side of the nictitating membrane. Complete ophthalmologic examination revealed a pink, translucent, soft, and nonpainful mass protruding from the bulbar surface of the nictitating membrane in all cases. Treatment consisted in marsupialization of the cyst on the palpebral surface of the nictitating membrane and was curative with no short-term postoperative complication and favorable long-term outcome for the three dogs. Histopathological findings were consistent with a lacrimal cyst. CONCLUSION: Marsupialization appears to be a safe, simple, and effective treatment for nictitating membrane cyst secondary to surgical correction of gland prolapse using conjunctival pocket technique in dogs. Further studies on a larger number of cases are necessary to determine whether marsupialization is the technique of choice and to further investigate the pathophysiology of cyst formation after conjunctival pocket repositioning of prolapsed glands.

Use of a porcine urinary bladder acellular matrix for corneal reconstruction in dogs and cats.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of a porcine urinary bladder acellular matrix for surgical reconstruction of the cornea in cases of canine and feline deep corneal ulcers, and feline corneal sequestra. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven dogs and three cats with deep corneal ulcers and seven cats with corneal sequestra were included in the study with overall 38 eyes. For each patient, the necrotic material (ie corneal sequestrum or collagenolytic tissue) was removed by circular lamellar keratectomy. The collagen graft was then cut and prepared to match the stromal defect and then sutured into the lamellar keratectomy bed using interrupted and continuous patterns of absorbable polyglactin 9-0 sutures. Postoperative medical treatment consisted of topical and systemic administration of antibiotics, combined with topical administration of atropine sulfate. The animals were examined 18, 45, and 90 days after the surgery. RESULTS: Postoperative examination revealed complete integration of the biomaterial in 93.5% of ulceration cases in both species and in 100% of feline corneal sequestrum cases. In two cases of ulceration (1 dog and 1 cat), progression of the collagenolytic process at the graft periphery required an additional conjunctival graft 7 days after the first surgery. At 90 days post-op, 100% of the eyes were sighted. CONCLUSION: Use of a porcine urinary bladder acellular matrix appears to be effective in the surgical management of deep corneal ulcers and feline corneal sequestra.

Use of bovine pericardium (Tutopatch®) graft for surgical repair of deep melting corneal ulcers in dogs and corneal sequestra in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of bovine pericardium (BP) graft in the treatment of deep melting corneal ulcers in three dogs and corneal sequestra in three cats. PROCEDURE: Three dogs with keratomalacia affecting the deep third of the stroma and three cats with corneal sequestrum were evaluated and underwent surgery. Following keratectomy, BP material was placed into the keratectomy bed and sutured to the recipient cornea with 9/0 polyglactin suture material. Postoperative treatment with topical and systemic antibiotics, systemic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and topical atropine was prescribed. Follow-up examinations were carried out 1, 2 weeks, 1 and 2 months after the surgery and consisted of a complete ophthalmic examination. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed 1 and 2 months after the surgery in one dog and in one cat. RESULTS: At 1 week, corneal neovascularization was present around the BP graft in all cases. Four weeks after the BP graft, in two dogs and in all cats, the vascularization was regressing and the graft was integrated into the cornea, which was regaining transparency. Topical treatment with anti-inflammatory agents was then prescribed for 2 weeks. Two months after the surgery, 5 of 6 corneas in two dogs and three cats had healed with focal corneal scarring. The remaining dog had progression of the keratomalacia involving the deep BP graft that required additional surgery, but became blind. CONCLUSION: Bovine pericardium graft offers a promising option for surgical reconstruction of the cornea following keratectomy for the management of corneal ulcers and sequestra.

Intraoperative management of axial posterior capsular opacities during cataract surgery in six dogs.

Background: Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is a cause of decreased vision after canine cataract surgery. PCO can appear in the months following surgery but can also be present at the time of surgery. Aims: To describe the intraoperative management of marked axial PCO during canine cataract surgery through a retrospective case series study of six cases. Methods: Six dogs (six eyes) with cataracts were included in this study. A complete ophthalmologic examination including electroretinography and ocular ultrasound was performed. After conventional phacoemulsification, a marked PCO obstructing the visual axis was found in five cases, previously diagnosed by ultrasound in the sixth. An axial posterior capsulorhexis (APC) was performed in all cases, before or after implantation of the intraocular lens (IOL). For the four cases implanted before APC, the posterior capsule (PC) was visualized either by positioning the IOL laterally in the bag with viscoelastic or through the optic of the implant. After perforation of the PC with a 30-Gauge needle, APC was initiated with Vannas curved scissors, then finalized with Utrata forceps to obtain a circular axial opening (3 mm diameter). In each case, a moderate anterior vitrectomy was performed through the APC (under the IOL when initially placed), then the IOL centered and the viscoelastic was removed. Results: Six dogs (Beagle, German Shepherd, Cavalier King Carles, French pointing dog, American bully, Beagle Harrier) aged 11 to 94 months (mean 51.8) were included. The mean follow-up period was 15.5 months (range 10-22). Visual function with capsular axial transparency and well-centered IOL, without complications during the follow-up period, was preserved for each eye. Conclusion: APC combined with moderate anterior vitrectomy appears to be effective in the treatment of marked axial PCO obstructing the visual axis during canine cataract surgery.

Effect of mydriasis induced by topical instillations of 0.5% tropicamide on the anterior segment in normotensive dogs using ultrasound biomicroscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of 0.5% tropicamide and the resultant mydriasis on the anterior segment in normotensive dogs using ultrasound biomicroscopy. PROCEDURE: Twenty-four dogs without ocular disease underwent ultrasound biomicroscopic examination of both the eyes under general anesthesia. Pharmacologic mydriasis was induced in the right eye of each dog by the topical instillation of 0.5% tropicamide. Ultrasound biomicroscopic examinations were performed and the anatomical parameters of the anterior segment were evaluated including the geometric iridocorneal angle (ICA) - formed by the plane of the iris root and the internal corneoscleral limbus - the width of the opening of the ciliary cleft (CC), the width of the mid-CC, the length of the CC, and the anterior chamber (AC) depth (distance between the corneal endothelium and the anterior lens capsule). RESULTS: Mydriasis resulting from the topical use of 0.5% tropicamide is associated with an increase in the geometric ICA and a decrease in the opening of the CC, without any effect on the width of the mid-CC, or on the length of the CC, or on the AC depth. CONCLUSIONS: Mydriasis induced by topical 0.5% tropicamide results in modification of the anterior segment which may influence the drainage of aqueous humor.

Intracranial meningioma causing partial amaurosis in a cat.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of intracranial meningioma causing visual impairment in a cat, successfully treated by surgery. PROCEDURES: An adult neutered male domestic cat was referred with a 10-month history of progressive visual impairment and altered behavior. Investigations included physical, ophthalmologic and neurological examinations as well as hematology, serum biochemistry and CT scan of the head. RESULTS: The menace response was absent in the left eye and decreased in the right eye. Electroretinograms were normal on both eyes, as was ophthalmic examination, ruling out an ocular cause and allowing a presumptive diagnosis of partial amaurosis due to a post-retinal lesion. CT scan demonstrated a large sessile extra axial mass along the right parietal bone and thickening of the adjacent bone. Cerebrospinal fluid was not collected because high intracranial pressure represented a risk for brain herniation. A right rostrotentorial craniectomy was performed to remove the tumor. Ten days after surgery, vision was improved, neurological examination was normal and normal behavior was restored. Ten months after surgery, ophthalmological examination showed no visual deficit and CT scan did not reveal any sign of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Advanced imaging techniques allow veterinarians to detect early cerebral diseases and to provide specific treatment when it is possible. In cases of feline amaurosis due to intracranial meningioma, the vital prognosis is good while the visual prognosis is more uncertain, but recovery of normal vision and normal behavior is possible as demonstrated in the present case.

Successful bilateral phacoemulsification and vitrectomy in a Bennett's wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus).

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 7-month-old hand-reared female Bennett's wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus) was evaluated for bilateral ocular opacity of 3 months' duration. CLINICAL FINDINGS: On physical examination, the wallaby was in good overall condition. An ophthalmic examination revealed mature cataracts in both eyes (OU). The cataracts were suspected to have a nutritional origin as it has been described in hand-reared macropods. Results of tonometry were normal OU. Results of CBC and serum biochemistry were unremarkable. The wallaby was premedicated with medetomidine and ketamine hydrochloride. Ocular ultrasonography performed while the wallaby was anesthetized revealed a thickened and opaque lens, mildly heterogeneous vitreous humor, and no sign of retinal detachment OU. An electroretinogram confirmed functional retinae OU. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Surgery was considered necessary for welfare reasons. Phacoemulsification and vitrectomy were performed without intraoperative complication. The wallaby recovered uneventfully, and systemic NSAID, topical corticosteroid, and systemic and topical antimicrobial therapy were prescribed. One year later, the animal had vision OU. Physical examination did not show any vision-threatening postoperative complications. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The etiology of nutritional cataracts is not fully understood in macropods, but this condition is rather common in these species. To our knowledge, this is the first detailed report of a successful bilateral phacoemulsification and vitrectomy in a Bennett's wallaby.

Determination of morphological, biometric and biochemical susceptibilities in healthy Eurasier dogs with suspected inherited glaucoma.

In both humans and dogs, the primary risk factor for glaucoma is high intraocular pressure (IOP), which may be caused by iridocorneal angle (ICA) abnormalities. Oxidative stress has also been implicated in retinal ganglion cell damage associated with glaucoma. A suspected inherited form of glaucoma was recently identified in Eurasier dogs (EDs), a breed for which pedigrees are readily available. Because of difficulties in assessing ICA morphology in dogs with advanced glaucoma, we selected a cohort of apparently healthy dogsfor the investigation of ICA morphological status, IOP and plasma concentrations of oxidative stress biomarkers. We aimed to establish correlations between these factors, to identify predictive markers of glaucoma in this dog breed. A cohort of 28 subjects, volunteered for inclusion by their owners, was selected by veterinary surgeons. These dogs were assigned to four groups: young males, young females (1-3 years old), adult males and adult females (4-8 years old). Ocular examination included ophthalmoscopy, tonometry, gonioscopy, biometry and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), and the evaluation of oxidative stress biomarkers consisting of measurements of plasma glutathione peroxidase (GP) activity and taurine and metabolic precursor (methionine and cysteine) concentrations in plasma. The prevalence of pectinate ligament abnormalities was significantly higher in adult EDs than in young dogs. Moreover, in adult females, high IOP was significantly correlated with a short axial globe length, and a particularly large distance between Schwalbe's line and the anterior lens capsule. GP activity levels were significantly lower in EDs than in a randomized control group of dogs, and plasma taurine concentrations were higher. Hence, ICA abnormalities were associated with weaker antioxidant defenses in EDs, potentially counteracted by higher plasma taurine concentrations. This study suggests that EDs may constitute an appropriate canine model for the development of glaucoma. This cohort will be used as a sentinel for longitudinal monitoring.