The Efficacy and Safety of Topical Rocuronium Bromide to Induce Bilateral Mydriasis in Hispaniolan Amazon Parrots ( Amazona ventralis ).

The efficacy and safety of topically applied rocuronium in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots ( Amazona ventralis ) was assessed in a group of 10 adult birds. A complete ophthalmic examination (including Schirmer tear test, ocular reflexes, applanation tonometry, fluorescein staining, and slit-lamp biomicroscopy) was performed, and rocuronium bromide (0.15 mg in both eyes) was administered. Pupillary light reflex (PLR) and pupillary diameter were recorded in a darkened room at the following time points: 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200, 220, 240, 300, and 360 minutes, and 24 hours. Fluorescein staining in both eyes was performed at 24 hours. By 10 minutes, PLR was absent in all birds (at 5 minutes, 8 birds; at 10 minutes, remaining 2 birds). Pupil diameter differed significantly from baseline at all time points. Additionally, PLR was decreased in 7/10 birds at 360 minutes and normal in all birds at 24 hours. Superficial corneal ulceration was observed at 24 hours in the left eye of 2/10 of the birds after fluorescein stain application. This study demonstrated that rocuronium bromide was an effective mydriatic agent in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots with rapid onset and prolonged duration of action.

Biometry, keratometry, and calculation of intraocular lens power for the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus).

OBJECTIVE: To document intraocular measurements and predict intraocular lens (IOL) power specific to the bald eagle. ANIMALS STUDIED: Eleven adult, captive bald eagles. PROCEDURES: Axial globe length (AGL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), crystalline lens thickness (CLT), and the distance from the cornea to the posterior lens capsule (CPLC) were measured in eight adult bald eagles using B-mode with vector A-mode ultrasound. Keratometry was done on four eagles. Two estimates for postoperative anterior chamber depth (PACD) were obtained from four aphakic eyes from three eagles by measuring from the apex of the anterior cornea to the center of an imaginary line that would connect the remaining edges of the anterior lens capsule across the capsulorhexis (PACD1) and from the apex of the anterior cornea to halfway between the anterior and posterior lens capsule (PACD2). IOL strength was predicted using the Colenbrander, Binkhorst, and Fyodorov theoretical formulas. RESULTS: Mean ± SD biometry for phakic eyes was AGL = 26.57 ± 0.45 mm, ACD = 4.45 ± 0.18 mm, CLT = 5.49 ± 0.14 mm, and CPLC = 10.00 ± 0.33 mm. Mean predicted PACD1 was 6.1 ± 0.66 mm, and PACD2 was 6.4 ± 0.70 mm. Mean horizontal and vertical corneal refractive power was 39.91 ± 0.43 diopters (D) and 40.02 ± 0.08 D, respectively. Calculated IOL power ranged from +16.4 to 17.4 D. CONCLUSIONS: Calculations using ultrasonographic biometry, keratometry, and theoretical IOL formulas suggest that the strength of an IOL necessary to return an aphakic bald eagle to emmetropia is between +16.4 and +17.4 D.

Flash electroretinography in the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus).

Photopic and scotopic flash electroretinograms (fERGs) were done on 12 adult captive anesthetized bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) following a complete ophthalmic exam. The b-wave amplitude in the bald eagle exceeds that seen in other species when using a similar protocol. This data may be used clinically as a reference for bald eagles undergoing fERG evaluation for retinal disease or as a preoperative screening tool before phacoemulsification.

The location of sites and effect of semiconductor diode trans-scleral cyclophotocoagulation on the buphthalmic equine globe.

PURPOSE: To determine appropriate location and energy settings for trans-scleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) for buphthalmic equine globes. ANIMALS: Eleven horses with a buphthalmic eye blinded by glaucoma presented for enucleation. METHODS: Globe and corneal dimensions were measured via ultrasonography and calipers, and TSCPC was performed under general anesthesia immediately prior to enucleation. Part 1: In nine globes, sixty sites were lasered 4 mm posterior to the limbus in the dorsotemporal and ventrotemporal quadrants at settings of 1500 milliwatts and 1500 ms. Globes were processed and sectioned sagitally over the temporal aspect in two blocks, each with five histologic sections examined by light microscopy. A digital imaging system was used to determine the location and length of the pars plicata on one slide from each block. Part 2: Based on results in Part 1, two globes were measured and lasered using the same time and energy settings at the following distances posterior to the limbus: 8 mm dorsally, 6 mm dorsotemporally, 5 mm ventrotemporally, and 5 mm ventrally. RESULTS: Globe and corneal dimensions exceeded normal values in all globes. Part 1: In all nine globes, photocoagulation affected the anterior ciliary processes and iris base and in 8/9 coagulation of the pectinate ligaments was noted. Part 2: In both globes, coagulation was confined to the pars plicata. CONCLUSIONS: The previously recommended TSCPC sites are located too far anteriorly for a buphthalmic globe. Buphthalmic equine globes should have TSCPC performed at the following distances posterior to the limbus: 6-8 mm dorsally, 5-6 mm dorsotemporally, 4-5 mm ventrotemporally, and 4-5 mm ventrally.

Normal ocular parameters and characterization of ophthalmic lesions in a group of captive bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus).

Sixteen adult captive bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) underwent a complete bilateral ocular examination to assess normal ocular parameters and describe ophthalmic lesions. Tear production was measured with the Schirmer tear test 1 and intraocular pressure was measured with applanation tonometry. The menace response was normal bilaterally in 13 of 16 eagles. Two birds had normal menace responses despite having fundic lesions, and 2 birds with an inconsistent or absent menace response did not have appreciable ophthalmic lesions. Mean (SD) tear production was 14 +/- 2 mm/min (range, 8-19 mm/min). Mean intraocular pressure was 21.5 +/- 1.7 mm Hg (range, 15-26 mm Hg). At least 1 ocular lesion was present in 50% of examined eyes. Cataracts, the most common lesion observed, were present in 8 eyes of 5 birds. Three of 4 known geriatric birds were or had been affected with bilateral cataracts. Overall, ocular lesions are common in captive bald eagles, and cataracts appear to be more prevalent in geriatric bald eagles. An obvious positive menace response is present in most visual birds but may be absent in some eagles that are either normal or that do not have appreciable ophthalmic lesions. Applanation tonometry and the Schirmer tear test 1 can be performed easily on adult bald eagles and provide reproducible results.