A multicenter retrospective study on cryopreserved amniotic membrane transplantation for the treatment of complicated corneal ulcers in the dog.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical technique and outcome of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) for treatment of complicated corneal ulcers in dogs. ANIMALS STUDIED: One hundred and eleven dogs. PROCEDURE: Medical records (2010-2017) were reviewed to identify canine patients that underwent AMT for the treatment of complicated corneal ulcers. Quantitative and ordinal variables were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher's Exact test. RESULTS: Brachycephalic breeds were overrepresented (74/111; 66.6%). Three dogs were bilaterally affected. Fifty-one had melting ulcers (51/114; 44.7%), 33 stromal ulcers (33/63; 52.4%), 17 descemetoceles (17/63; 27%), and 13 perforations (13/63;20.6%). Mean defect size was 6.2 mm (2-18 mm). Human (32/114; 28.1%) or bovine (82/114; 71.9%) (AmnioVet(R)) cryopreserved amniotic membranes were used. Monolayer (31/114; 27.2%), bilayer (44/114; 38.6%) or multilayer technique (39/114; 34.2%) was performed, being anchored to the limbus (52/114; 45.6%), to the defect (48/114; 42.1%) or both (14/114; 12.3%). Mean epithelial healing and follow-up times were 25.6 days (15-45) and 98.7 days (21-400), respectively. Most common postsurgical complications included pigmentation (10/114; 8.8%) and graft failure (5/114; 4.4%). Depth and size of corneal lesions, human amniotic membrane (AM) and concurrent ocular diseases were associated with more complications (P < 0.05). Good cosmetic and visual outcomes were achieved in 99.1% (113/114) and 97.4% (111/114) of cases, respectively. Zero to low graft opacity was seen in 23.9% of the eyes (27/113), mild to moderate in 64.6% (73/113) and complete in 11.5% (13/113). CONCLUSIONS: Cryopreserved AMT is an effective surgical technique for the treatment of complicated corneal ulcers in the dog, with highly satisfactory visual and cosmetic outcomes.

Ocular lesions produced by pine processionary caterpillar setae (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) in dogs: a descriptive study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe, for the first time in dogs, the ocular lesions induced by the pine processionary caterpillar (PPC) setae, and the associated corneal histopathology, medical treatment, and outcome. ANIMAL STUDIED: One hundred and forty client-owned dogs from Spain were studied. One hundred and twenty dogs came from the central area of Spain, 13 from the southern area, six from the northern area, and one dog came from the Mediterranean area. PROCEDURE: Medical records from four veterinary ophthalmology practices were reviewed. Dogs that were presented from endemic areas and that had PPC setae identified during their ophthalmic examination were included in the study. RESULTS: The following ocular lesions were identified: keratitis with crescent- or circular-shaped white stromal cellular infiltrates (98.57% [n = 138]), anterior uveitis (78.57% [n = 110]), conjunctival hyperemia and chemosis (33.57% [n = 47]), blepharitis (8.57% [n = 12]), and corneal ulcers (2.86% [n = 4]). Removal of the hairs by saline hydropulsion and medical treatment was successful in 99.29% (n = 139) of the cases. A single case healed following additional corneal reconstructive surgery to remove the deep corneal lesion and subsequent histopathology revealed an acute lesion with necrotic neutrophilic infiltrate and corneal edema. All ocular lesions resolved completely within 15 and 30 days after presentation, with the exception of one case that developed endophthalmitis. CONCLUSION: Pine processionary caterpillar should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute ocular lesions, especially if keratitis with corneal cellular infiltrate and anterior uveitis are present, in dogs from endemic areas during the months of spring and summer. In the majority of cases, irrigation and removal of the hairs together with medical treatment leads to a good outcome.

Orbital cellulitis and intraocular abscess caused by migrating grass in a cat.

We report an unusual case of orbital cellulitis in a cat. Drainage via the pterygopalatine fossa and medical treatment were performed. Failure of resolution and loss of ocular structure and visual function with a poor prognosis led to enucleation. During surgery, plant material and purulent exudate were present in the orbit. Histopathology showed an intraocular foreign body of grass that had migrated through the sclera causing a suprachoroidal abscess with choroidal and retinal detachment.