Papillomatosis of conjunctiva and adnexa in dogs.

Ocular or periocular papillomatosis was diagnosed in seven dogs. The periocular tumors (in 4 dogs) were located on the eyelids or the mucocutaneous junctions of the eyelids. Six of the tumors were removed surgically, using either superficial keratectomy and conjunctival dissection or lid resection techniques; the seventh was biopsied but not removed. In all cases, confirmation of the clinical diagnosis was made by light microscopy. The differential clinical considerations included squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, histiocytoma, and mastocytoma. In all cases of surgical removal, the dogs were free of recurrence 6 months following surgery.

Feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus infections in a cat with lymphoma.

Lymphoma was diagnosed in a 7-year-old domestic cat found to be infected with FeLV and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). The cat was affected by chronic disorders suggestive of immunosuppression, including gingivitis, periodontitis, keratitis, and abscesses. Despite treatment, peripheral keratitis of the left eye progressed, resulting in uveitis, chronic glaucoma, and eventual corneal rupture. Microscopic retinal and optic disk pathologic processes also were suspected. Abnormal jaw movements that were believed to be indicative of neurologic disease were observed. Approximately 17 months later, the cat developed generalized lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and bilateral renomegaly. Lymphoblastic lymphoma and glomerulonephritis were diagnosed histologically. Manganese- and magnesium-dependent reverse transcriptase activity were detected in supernatants from lymph node and spleen mononuclear cell cultures, suggesting T-lymphocyte infection with FeLV and FIV.

Efficacy of zinc citrate ascorbate for treatment of canine cataracts.

Efficacy of zinc citrate ascorbate was evaluated in 146 dogs (265 eyes) that had various lens opacities. Zinc citrate ascorbate or saline placebo drops were applied topically once or twice daily for 4 to 31 weeks. Of 138 eyes treated with zinc citrate ascorbate, 86 eyes (62.3%) had no change, 48 eyes (34.8%) had increased lens opacity, and 4 eyes (2.9%) had decreased lens opacity. Of 127 eyes treated with a saline placebo, 99 eyes (77.9%) had no change, 25 eyes (19.7%) had increased lens opacity, and 3 eyes (2.4%) had decreased lens opacity. Zinc citrate ascorbate drops were not significantly (P = less than 0.05) more effective in clearing cataracts than were saline drops. Seemingly, zinc citrate ascorbate drops may have caused lens opacities to increase in area and density.

Corneal dystrophy in the dog and cat.

Two types of epithelial dystrophy have been described in dogs, one each in the Boxer and Shetland Sheepdog breeds, both of which can be associated with corneal erosions. Medical therapy is recommended when erosions or tear film abnormalities are present. Stromal dystrophies documented in dogs appear to be a primary lipid deposition in various layers of the stroma, depending on the breed. Stromal dystrophies seldom lead to loss of vision, but vision loss has been observed in middle aged Airedale Terriers and aged Siberian Huskies. Treatment is usually unnecessary. The dog demonstrates two types of endothelial dystrophy, one of which (posterior polymorphous dystrophy in the American Cocker Spaniel) does not lead to corneal edema. Endothelial dystrophy observed in the Boston Terrier, Chihuahua, and other breeds is associated with progressive corneal edema, which can lead to bullous keratopathy and corneal erosions. Stromal and endothelial dystrophies, both of which are associated with rapid progression of corneal edema, occur rarely in the cat. Treatment of dystrophies with progressive corneal edema is symptomatic and palliative.

Progressive retinal atrophy in the Samoyed.

In Samoyeds 2-5 years old, progressive retinal atrophy was evidenced ophthalmoscopically by peripheral tapetal hyperreflectivity and vascular attenuation, with marked generalized retinal thinning and vascular attenuation at 5-8 years. Pupil response remained active until late in the disease. Histologically, early retinal development was normal, with lesion onset paralleling that of ERG abnormalities. Pedigree examination and test-breeding results were compatible with simple autosomal recessive inheritance.

Peripheral corneal ulcers in the horse.

This report involves a retrospective study of five horses with an unusual form of progressive peripheral corneal ulcers. These ulcers were located at the perilimbal region of the cornea and spread both centripetally to mid periphery and circumferentially. Lipping of the epithelial edge was observed often. The depth ranged from superficial to mid stroma. Patients ranged from two and a half to eight years, both sexes, and were referred after a variety of antibacterial therapy. Histories were similar in that all ulcers were initially located adjacent to the limbus in one or more quadrants. No trauma was known to antedate the corneal disease and the patients were in good general health. Conjunctivectomy was performed in three patients which revealed an abundance of plasma cells and lymphocytes. All five cases were negative for a specific bacterial pathogen. Patients responded to a variety of treatment modalities: topical corticosteroid, surgical debridement, therapeutic soft contact lens (TSCL), and/or conjunctivectomy.