Report of a self-resolving corneal viral papilloma in a dog.

A 10-month-old male castrated beagle dog, without prior history of ocular disease, was referred for a corneal mass of the right eye. A non-painful raised mass with frond-like projections originated from the dorsotemporal paraxial cornea of the right eye. In addition, a plaque-like conjunctival lesion and several raised, smooth masses of the eyelid were noted around the right eye. An incisional biopsy of the corneal mass and an excisional biopsy of the conjunctival mass were performed. Histopathology confirmed the clinical diagnosis of viral papilloma. Conservative management with monitoring was elected, and the lesion self-resolved 3 mo after initial appearance. Key clinical message: This case suggests that monitoring is appropriate for corneal lesions definitively diagnosed as viral papillomas, as they may be self-limiting.

Rapport d'un papillome viral cornéen auto-résolutif chez un chien. Un chien beagle mâle castré âgé de 10 mois, sans antécédent de maladie oculaire, a été envoyé pour consultation pour une masse cornéenne de l'oeil droit. Une masse surélevée non douloureuse avec des projections en forme de frondes provenait de la cornée paraxiale dorso-temporale de l'oeil droit. De plus, une lésion conjonctivale en forme de plaque et plusieurs masses surélevées et lisses de la paupière ont été notées autour de l'oeil droit. Une biopsie incisionnelle de la masse cornéenne et une biopsie excisionnelle de la masse conjonctivale ont été réalisées. L'histopathologie a confirmé le diagnostic clinique de papillome viral. Une prise en charge conservatrice avec surveillance a été choisie et la lésion s'est résolue d'elle-même 3 mois après l'apparition initiale.Message clinique clé :Ce cas suggère que la surveillance est appropriée pour les lésions cornéennes définitivement diagnostiquées comme des papillomes viraux, car elles peuvent être spontanément auto-limitantes.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Disseminated histoplasmosis with ocular adnexal involvement in seven cats.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of disseminated histoplasmosis with conjunctival and/or nictitating membrane involvement in cats. PROCEDURE: Medical records from seven cats with naturally acquired disseminated histoplasmosis and conjunctival and/or nictitating membrane lesions were reviewed for signalment, clinical findings, diagnostic results, treatment, and outcome. RESULTS: Breeds included domestic shorthair (n = 5), Maine Coon (n = 1), and Siamese mix (n = 1) with four spayed females and three castrated males. Conjunctival abnormalities were identified in four cats, and nictitating membrane lesions were identified in four cats; one cat had both a conjunctival and nictitating membrane lesion. Cytologic evaluation of lesions identified Histoplasma capsulatum organisms in two of four cases sampled, and histopathologic evaluation identified H capsulatum in both cases in which a sample was submitted. Histoplasmosis antigen testing was positive in three of four submitted samples. Initial treatment for all cats included fluconazole (median dose: 26 mg/kg/d). Median duration of follow-up was 11 months (range: 1-108 months; n = 4). Resolution of ocular adnexal lesions was achieved in three cats. Two cats had relapse of disease, one of which was subsequently euthanized. One cat with concurrent feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection died one month after diagnosis of histoplasmosis. CONCLUSIONS: Histoplasmosis should be a differential diagnosis for ocular adnexal inflammatory lesions in cats.

Clinical pharmacokinetics and outcomes of oral fluconazole therapy in dogs and cats with naturally occurring fungal disease.

This multi-institutional study was designed to determine the clinical pharmacokinetics of fluconazole and outcomes in client-owned dogs (n = 37) and cats (n = 35) with fungal disease. Fluconazole serum concentrations were measured. Pharmacokinetic analysis was limited to animals at steady state (≥72 hr of treatment). The mean (range) body weight in 31 dogs was 25.6 (2.8-58.2) kg and in 31 cats was 3.9 (2.4-6.1) kg included in pharmacokinetic analyses. The dose, average steady-state serum concentrations (CSS ), and oral clearance in dogs were 14.2 (4.5-21.3) mg/kg/d, 26.8 (3.8-61.5) µg/mL, and 0.63 ml min-1  kg-1 , respectively, and in cats were 18.6 (8.2-40.0) mg/kg/d, 32.1 (1.9-103.5) µg/mL, and 0.61 ml min-1  kg-1 , respectively. Random inter-animal pharmacokinetic variability was high in both species. Two dogs had near twofold increases in serum fluconazole when generic formulations were changed, suggesting lack of bioequivalence. Median CSS for dogs and cats achieving clinical remission was 19.4 and 35.8 µg/ml, respectively. Starting oral doses of 10 mg/kg q12h in dogs and 50-100 mg total daily dose in cats are recommended to achieve median CSS associated with clinical remission. Due to the large pharmacokinetic variability, individualized dose adjustments based on CSS (therapeutic drug monitoring) and treatment failure should be considered.

Exophthalmos due to sterile neutrophilic dermatosis in a dog.

An 8-year-old castrated male Bichon Frise was presented to the Kansas State University Veterinary Health Center for evaluation of unilateral right-sided exophthalmos, suspected secondary to a retrobulbar abscess. The dog had acutely developed right-sided periorbital swelling, exophthalmos with pain on retropulsion, as well as multiple cutaneous exudative plaques on the feet and tail base. On ophthalmic examination, the dog also exhibited mild left-sided exophthalmos with decreased, nonpainful retropulsion. Orbital ultrasound and CT were performed to evaluate the extent of bilateral orbital disease. Incisional biopsies were obtained from the affected right periorbital tissues and skin of the feet, and histopathology revealed severe neutrophilic inflammation of the dermis with no organisms detected. Histologic changes were consistent with sterile neutrophilic dermatosis. The dog achieved clinical remission following treatment with initial immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids and subsequent long-term maintenance therapy using oral cyclosporine.

Evaluation of conjunctival bacterial flora in a herd of goats in the Midwestern United States.

OBJECTIVE: To identify conjunctival bacterial flora in healthy adult and newborn kid goats in the Midwestern United States and to compare vaginal and ocular surface flora in dam-kid pairs. ANIMALS STUDIED: Thirty mixed-breed (crosses between Boer, Kiko, and Syfan Spanish) goats, 20 adult does and 10 newborn kids. PROCEDURES: One eye of 15 adult goats (n = 15 eyes) and 5 kids (n = 5 eyes) was randomly selected. A subset of 5 adults (n = 10 eyes) and 5 kids (n = 10 eyes) underwent bilateral sampling. Each recently kidded dam's vaginal canal (n = 10) was also sampled. Two swabs were collected from each sample site for aerobic bacterial culture and Mycoplasma and Chlamydia spp. PCR. RESULTS: Of the animals with positive cultures, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus were the most common bacterial genera from the conjunctival sac of adult (16/17; 94%) and kid (5/5; 100%) goats; three adults and 5 kids had no growth of bacteria on aerobic culture. Moraxella bovoculi was the most common single bacteria in adults, in 9 eyes (36%) of 8 animals (40%). Staphylococcus equorum was identified in all 5 kids with positive cultures. Mycoplasma sp. DNA was detected in 7 animals. Chlamydia sp. DNA was not detected in any sample. Four of 10 dam-kid pairs had identical bacteria isolated from the dam's vaginal sample and the kid's conjunctival sample. CONCLUSIONS: Staphylococcus and Streptococcus were the most common conjunctival bacterial genera in this goatherd. Moraxella bovoculi was the most common single bacteria isolated from adults, and Staphylococcus equorum was the most common bacteria in kids. Mycoplasma sp. occurred infrequently at the ocular surface of adult and kid goats. A convincing association between dam-kid vaginal-conjunctival samples was not identified.

Evaluation of systemic absorption and renal effects of topical ophthalmic flurbiprofen and diclofenac in healthy cats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate systemic absorption and renal effects of topically applied ophthalmic flurbiprofen and diclofenac in healthy cats. ANIMALS STUDIED: Twelve domestic shorthair cats. PROCEDURES: Cats were randomly assigned to two treatment groups (n = 6) and administered one drop (approximately 40 µL) of either flurbiprofen 0.03% or diclofenac 0.1% in both eyes four times daily (6 am, 12 pm, 6 pm, and 12 am) for 14 days. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 4, 8, 14, 16, and 17 and analyzed by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry for flurbiprofen and diclofenac plasma concentrations. A complete blood count (CBC), serum chemistry, and urinalysis were analyzed at the beginning of the study (Day 0) and at the end of topical drug administration (Day 15). RESULTS: Both drugs demonstrated systemic absorption. Flurbiprofen was detected (mean ± SD) at day 4 (237 ± 65 ng/mL), day 8 (396 ± 91 ng/mL), day 14 (423 ± 56 ng/mL), day 16 (350 ± 66 ng/mL), and day 17 (270 ± 62 ng/mL), and diclofenac was detected (mean ± SD) at day 4 (130 ± 44 ng/mL), day 8 (131 ± 25 ng/mL), day 14 (150 ± 36 ng/mL), and sporadically on day 16 [corrected]. Flurbiprofen plasma concentration decreased slowly over 48 h after the last dose. No clinically significant abnormalities were noted in the serum blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, or urine specific gravity at the end of topical drug administration compared to the beginning of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Flurbiprofen and diclofenac were systemically absorbed after topical administration four times daily to both eyes of healthy cats. Flurbiprofen reached higher plasma concentrations compared to diclofenac.

Clinical and histologic description of ocular anatomy in captive black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and histologic ocular anatomy of the black-tailed prairie dog (PD). ANIMALS STUDIED: Seventeen captive black-tailed PDs (11 males and six females), ranging in age from approximately 4 months to 4.5 years. PROCEDURES: Complete ocular examinations, including slit-lamp biomicroscopy, direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy, were performed under isoflurane anesthesia. The globes (n = 2) of one black-tailed PD were harvested immediately after euthanasia and processed after formalin fixation. Staining with hematoxylin-eosin, cytokeratin AE1/AE3, glial fibrillary acidic protein, chromogranin A, claudin-5, smooth muscle actin, and vimentin was performed for light microscopic evaluation. RESULTS: A thick mucinous precorneal tear film was present on the ocular surface. A vestigial nictitating membrane was identified in the medial canthus area. The limbus was heavily pigmented, the iris was a dark homogenous brown, and the pupil was round. Funduscopically, there was no tapetum lucidum, the retinal vascular pattern was holangiotic, and a horizontally elongated optic disk was visualized. The most common ocular abnormalities were acquired eyelid margin defects, present in seven eyes of six black-tailed PDs (35.3%). On histologic examination, the retina was asymmetric, thicker below the optic disk and thinner above it. CONCLUSIONS: The black-tailed PD fundus is atapetal with a holangiotic retinal vessel pattern and a horizontally elongated optic disk. Acquired lesions of the peri-ocular and eyelid region were the most common documented abnormality. Unique anatomic features of the globe and adnexa were confirmed with histologic and immunohistochemical analysis.

Pyogranulomatous panophthalmitis with systemic coronavirus disease in a domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo).

A 15-month-old spayed female ferret (Mustela putorius furo) presented for lethargy and weight loss of 2 weeks duration. Upon physical examination, a 2-mm-diameter focal area of opacity was noted in the left cornea. In addition, the ferret was quiet, in poor body condition, and dehydrated. A complete blood count and plasma biochemistry revealed a severe nonregenerative anemia, azotemia, hyperproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and mild hyperphosphatemia and hyperchloremia. Urinalysis revealed hyposthenuria. Whole body radiographs showed multifocal thoracic nodular disease, splenomegaly, and renomegaly. Abdominal ultrasonography confirmed bilaterally enlarged kidneys, hypoechoic liver and spleen, and a caudal abdominal hypoechoic mobile nodule. The ferret was humanely euthanized, and a postmortem examination with subsequent histopathology showed multifocal necrotizing pyogranulomas in the lung, spleen, kidneys, mesenteric lymph nodes, and serosa of the duodenum. Pyogranulomatous panophthalmitis was diagnosed in the left eye. The multisystemic granulomatous lesions were suggestive of ferret systemic coronavirus (FRSCV). The presence of coronavirus in the left eye was confirmed by positive immunohistochemistry. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue from the lung, spleen, and kidney was negative for FRSCV and positive for ferret enteric coronavirus (FRECV). Systemic coronavirus disease in ferrets closely resembles feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in domestic cats, which can manifest with anterior uveitis, chorioretinitis, optic neuritis, and retinal detachment. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of ocular lesions in a ferret with systemic coronavirus disease, suggesting that ferrets presented with similar ocular lesions should also be evaluated for evidence of coronavirus infection.

Measurement of plasma gentamicin concentrations postchemical ciliary body ablation in dogs with chronic glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the absorption of gentamicin into the plasma after an intravitreal injection in dogs and to report the success rate of this procedure in lowering the intraocular pressure. ANIMALS: Twenty-four client-owned dogs with chronic, end-stage glaucoma. PROCEDURES: Dogs received a unilateral (22) or bilateral (2) intravitreal injection of 25-40 mg of gentamicin (mean ± SD dose 2.57 ± 1.65 mg/kg and range 0.61-7.50 mg/kg) and 1 mg of dexamethasone per eye. Blood samples were collected at various time points following the intravitreal injection. Plasma concentrations of gentamicin were determined by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The total plasma concentration of gentamicin ranged from 0.21 to 9.71 µg/mL (mean ± SD 2.15 ± 2.03). The mean gentamicin CMAX was 2.29 µg/mL at 2.54 h with a terminal half-life of 9.8 h. The success rate of the chemical ablation procedure was 86.4% (19/22 eyes) in dogs that had at least 1 month of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal injection of gentamicin in eyes with chronic glaucoma resulted in detectable plasma levels in dogs and was successful in lowering the intraocular pressure in 86.4% of the eyes after the first procedure.

Retinal detachment postphacoemulsification in Bichon Frises: a retrospective study of 54 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare rates of retinal detachment (RD) postphacoemulsification in American Bichon Frises with and without prophylactic retinopexy. PROCEDURES: Medical records of 54 Bichon Frises undergoing phacoemulsification with or without prophylactic retinopexy between 2003 and 2013 in one or both eyes were reviewed from five Midwestern university veterinary teaching hospitals. Inclusion criteria were preoperative ERG, at least 6 months of follow-up postphacoemulsification, and the absence of preexisting RD as determined by ophthalmic examination and/or ultrasound. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-squared test, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and Wilson confidence intervals with the P-value <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Phacoemulsification was performed without retinopexy in 79 eyes (42 dogs, non-PR group) and with prophylactic retinopexy in 23 eyes (12 dogs, PR group). Incidence of diabetes mellitus was 10/42 and 3/12 in the non-PR and the PR groups, respectively (P = 0.93). Intraocular lens implantation was performed in 40/42 non-PR dogs and 11/12 PR dogs (P = 0.63, 73/79 vs. 21/23 eyes). At final re-examination, RD occurred in 4/79 eyes without retinopexy, compared to 0/23 RD in the retinopexy group. There was no statistically significant difference in RD rates between the two groups (P = 0.27). CONCLUSIONS: These data provide no statistical evidence to support prophylactic retinopexy in Bichon Frises. Due to the low rate of retinal detachment following phacoemulsification without prophylactic retinopexy, the procedure appears to offer limited benefit to offset cost, procedural risk, and risk of extended or repeated anesthesia in Bichon Frises.

Tear production, intraocular pressure, and conjunctival bacterial flora in a group of captive black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus).

OBJECTIVE: To report ocular diagnostic test parameters and normal conjunctival bacterial flora in captive black-tailed prairie dogs. ANIMALS STUDIED: Seventeen black-tailed prairie dogs, ranging in age from approximately 4-6 months to 4.5 years. Eleven males came from a zoo collection and 6 females from a wildlife rehabilitation center. PROCEDURES: Complete ocular examination was performed under isoflurane anesthesia. Tear and intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements were performed on both (n = 34) eyes of 17 prairie dogs. Phenol red thread test (PRTT) was performed first, and a modified Schirmer tear test I (mSTTI) was performed 10 min later. Indirect rebound tonometry was performed using the TonoVet® . Attempts to obtain intraocular pressure measurements using an applanation tonometry instrument were unsuccessful. Conjunctival swab samples (n = 17) were taken from both eyes of each prairie dog and pooled. RESULTS: The most common ocular abnormality was acquired eyelid margin defects, present in seven eyes of six prairie dogs (35.3%). Mean ± SD tear production was 13.6 ± 7.8 mm/15 s (range, 3-30) for PRTT and 1.2 ± 0.9 mm/min (range, 0-4) for mSTTI. Mean ± SD IOP was 7.7 ± 2.2 mmHg (range, 3-11.4). A Staphylococcus xylosus (7/17; 41.2%) organism and a hemolytic Staphylococcus species (5/17; 29.4%) were most commonly isolated from the prairie dog conjunctival sac. CONCLUSIONS: There was a moderate prevalence of acquired peri-ocular lesions in this group of captive black-tailed prairie dogs. While widely variable, results of tear test and intraocular pressure measurements are reported. Staphylococcus was the most commonly isolated bacterial genus.

Subconjunctival hibernoma in a dog.

A 10-year-old, castrated male, German Shepherd mixed-breed dog was presented to Kansas State University Veterinary Health Center for evaluation of a subconjunctival swelling in the ventral fornix of the left orbit. The owner elected to pursue excision of the mass 2 years after initial consultation following a sudden change in the size and color of the lesion. An excisional biopsy was performed, and the mass along with its associated capsule were submitted to the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin for histopathologic evaluation, which confirmed the diagnosis of a hibernoma. Fourteen months following excision, the patient showed no evidence of tumor regrowth.

Ophthalmic Diagnostic Tests and Ocular Findings in a Flock of Captive American Flamingos ( Phoenicopterus ruber ruber).

Seventeen adult captive American flamingos ( Phoenicopterus ruber ruber) (34 eyes) underwent a complete ocular examination, including assessment of menace response, pupillary light reflexes, dazzle reflex, palpebral and corneal reflexes, fluorescein staining, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and direct ophthalmoscopy. Birds were randomly assigned to one of 2 groups for tear production and intraocular pressure measurements. Tear production was measured by modified Schirmer tear test I (n = 9 birds) or phenol red thread test (n = 8 birds), and intraocular pressure was measured indirectly by applanation (Tonopen-XL) (n = 9 birds) or rebound (TonoVet) (n = 8 birds) tonometry. Conjunctival swab samples were taken from one randomly selected eye of all 17 birds to identify surface ocular microbial flora via aerobic bacterial culture. Additionally, 3 of the 17 birds were anesthetized for bilateral B-mode ocular ultrasonography examination to obtain axial globe measurements. Results showed that the menace response and dazzle reflex were absent in all birds. Sixteen of the 17 birds were free of significant ocular disease; a small cataract and pigment on the anterior lens capsule were noted in one eye of one bird. Mean ± SD tear production was 12.3 ± 4.5 mm/min (range, 4-20 mm/min) for modified Schirmer tear test I and 24.2 ± 4.4 mm/15 s (range, 14-30 mm/15 s) for phenol red thread test. Modified Schirmer tear test I measurements were significantly lower than phenol red thread measurements (P < .001). Mean intraocular pressure was 16.1 ± 4.2 mm Hg (range, 7-22 mm Hg) for Tonopen and 9.5 ± 1.7 mm Hg (range, 7-13 mm Hg) for TonoVet. Tonopen measurements were significantly higher than TonoVet measurements (P < .001). An Enterococcus species (9/17 eyes; 53%) and a gram-positive coccus (7/17 eyes; 41%) were the bacteria most commonly isolated from conjunctival swab samples. Mean B-mode ultrasonographic globe measurements of 6 eyes (3 birds) were axial globe length, 13.8 ± 0.16 mm; anterior chamber depth, 1.75 ± 0.05 mm; lens thickness, 4.6 ± 0.06 mm; vitreous body depth, 6.95 ± 0.10 mm; and pecten dimensions, 5.1 ± 0.38 mm length, 2.2 ± 0.14 mm width. In summary, the prevalence of ocular lesions was low in this population of captive American flamingos. Results obtained from 2 types of tear and intraocular pressure measurement tests were significantly different, indicating that a single type of each diagnostic test should be consistently used. A modification of the standard Schirmer tear test or use of phenol red thread test is recommended due to the small flamingo eye.

Diminished pupillary light reflexes, elevated third eyelids, and decreased tear production are commonly associated with canine dysautonomia.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively describe ocular abnormalities reported in dogs with presumed dysautonomia. ANIMALS: 79 dogs with dysautonomia. METHODS: Medical records from the Kansas State University Veterinary Health Center from 2004 to 2021 were reviewed for dogs with a clinical or histopathologic diagnosis of canine dysautonomia (CD). Ophthalmic exam abnormalities, nonocular clinical signs, and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Most dogs (73/79 [92.4%]) with CD exhibited at least 1 ocular abnormality. The most common ocular abnormalities were diminished pupillary light reflexes (PLRs) in 55 of 79 (69.6%) dogs and elevation of the third eyelids in 51 of 79 (64.6%) dogs. Schirmer tear test values were bilaterally decreased in 32 of 56 (57.1%) dogs. Other ocular abnormalities included resting mydriasis, ocular discharge, photophobia, blepharospasm, corneal ulceration, and conjunctival vessel pallor. The most common nonocular clinical signs were vomiting or regurgitation in 69 of 79 (87.3%) and diarrhea in 34 of 79 (43.0%) dogs. Pharmacologic testing with dilute 0.01%, 0.05%, or 0.1% pilocarpine yielded pupillary constriction in 42 of 51 (82.4%) dogs. Thirty-two of 79 (40.5%) dogs survived to discharge. Resolution of ocular abnormalities was variable. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ophthalmic abnormalities such as diminished PLRs, elevation of the third eyelids, and decreased tear production are commonly associated with CD and provide support for its antemortem clinical diagnosis, though dogs with normal PLRs can be diagnosed with the disease. Pharmacologic testing with dilute topical pilocarpine in dogs with clinical signs suggestive of dysautonomia supports a diagnosis of CD. Ophthalmic abnormalities may improve or resolve over time.

Oral voriconazole therapy in cats with histoplasmosis yielded mild side effects and a favorable outcome.

OBJECTIVE: Infection by Histoplasma organisms most commonly results in disseminated systemic infection in cats. Relapse during therapy with itraconazole and fluconazole has been reported. The aim of this study was to report the clinical response, duration of therapy, side effects, and outcome in cats with histoplasmosis that were treated with voriconazole. ANIMALS: 6 client-owned cats. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: Medical records were reviewed of cats with confirmed histoplasmosis that presented to the Kansas State University Veterinary Health Center and received voriconazole therapy (n = 6 cats). RESULTS: 4 cats were switched to voriconazole from fluconazole (n = 2), itraconazole (1), or both (1), and 2 cats received voriconazole as initial therapy. Median starting dosage was 3.51 mg/kg PO every 72 hours. Two cats required a change in dosing interval from every 72 hours to every 96 hours due to hyporexia (n = 2) and an elevated ALT (1). Remission was documented in all 6 cats with a median time to a negative urine antigen of 256 days (range, 94 to 494 days). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Voriconazole therapy in 6 cats with histoplasmosis yielded mild side effects and a favorable outcome. Reported dosages provide a feasible alternative to daily dosing for owners of feline patients.

Corneal sensitivity in healthy, immature, and adult alpacas.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the corneal sensitivity of healthy, immature, and adult alpacas to establish normal reference values for this species. ANIMALS STUDIED: Six normal crias and 18 normal adult alpacas. PROCEDURES: Corneal sensitivity was determined by evaluating the corneal touch threshold (CTT) in five regions of the cornea using a Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometer. The nylon filament length in cm was then converted to applied pressure values in mg/0.0113 mm(2) and g/mm(2) using a conversion chart. RESULTS: The central region of the cornea was the most sensitive, and the dorsal and temporal regions were the least sensitive in alpacas. There were no significant differences between the right and left eyes or between values in males and females at any site. Crias had significantly greater corneal sensitivity compared with adult alpacas in all five regions of the cornea that were evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: Normal reference values for CTT in alpacas were established using a Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometer. The central region of the cornea is the most sensitive in alpacas, and crias have higher corneal sensitivity than adult alpacas.

Prednisolone and dexamethasone are systemically absorbed after topical application of ophthalmic suspensions in healthy dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify plasma concentrations of prednisolone and dexamethasone (peripheral and jugular) and cortisol following topical ophthalmic application of 1% prednisolone acetate and 0.1% dexamethasone to healthy adult dogs. ANIMALS: 12 purpose-bred Beagles. PROCEDURES: Dogs received 1 drop of 1% prednisolone acetate (n = 6) or neomycin polymyxin B dexamethasone (ie, 0.1% dexamethasone; 6) ophthalmic suspension in both eyes every 6 hours for 14 days. Blood samples (peripheral and jugular) were collected on days 0, 1, 7, and 14 and analyzed for plasma prednisolone and dexamethasone concentrations. Plasma cortisol concentrations were measured at the beginning of the study and following topical drug administration. RESULTS: Both drugs demonstrated systemic absorption. Prednisolone was detected on days 1, 7, and 14 (median plasma concentration, 24.80 ng/mL; range, 6.20 to 74.00 ng/mL), and dexamethasone was detected on days 1, 7, and 14 (2.30 ng/mL; 0 to 17.70 ng/mL). Neither prednisolone nor dexamethasone were detected in plasma samples on day 0 (baseline). Sampling from the jugular vein resulted in higher plasma drug concentrations than from a peripheral vein when samples from each day were combined. Plasma cortisol concentrations were significantly lower than baseline following 14 days of treatment with topical prednisolone acetate and dexamethasone. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Prednisolone and dexamethasone are detected in the plasma of healthy dogs following topical ophthalmic administration 4 times/d with prednisolone concentrations being close to a physiologic dose of orally administered prednisolone. Additional research is needed to evaluate the systemic absorption of these medications in dogs with ocular inflammation.

Fluorophotometric and tonometric evaluation of ocular effects following aqueocentesis performed with needles of various sizes in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To measure ocular effects (blood-aqueous barrier breakdown and intraocular pressure [IOP]) following aqueocentesis performed with needles of various sizes in dogs. ANIMALS: 28 healthy adult dogs. PROCEDURES: 24 dogs underwent unilateral aqueocentesis (24 treated eyes and 24 contra-lateral untreated eyes); 25-, 27-, or 30-gauge needles were used in 3 treatment groups (n = 8/group). Four dogs were untreated controls. Aqueocentesis was performed during sedation and topical anesthesia. Anterior chamber fluorophotometry was performed before and after aqueocentesis on day 1. On days 2 through 5, sedation and fluorophotometry were repeated. Intraocular pressure was measured with a rebound tonometer at multiple time points. RESULTS: Aqueocentesis resulted in blood-aqueous barrier breakdown detected via fluorophotometry in all treated eyes, with barrier reestablishment by day 5. On day 2, the contralateral untreated eyes of all 3 groups also had significantly increased fluorescence. Use of a 25-gauge needle resulted in a significant increase in treated eyes' anterior chamber fluorescence on days 3 and 5 as well as a significant increase in IOP 20 minutes following aqueocentesis, compared with the other treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Aqueocentesis performed with a 25-gauge needle resulted in the greatest degree of blood-aqueous barrier breakdown and a brief state of intraocular hypertension. Use of a 27- or 30-gauge needle is recommended for aqueous paracentesis. A consensual ocular reaction appeared to occur in dogs following unilateral traumatic blood-aqueous barrier breakdown and may be of clinical importance.

Ophthalmomyiasis externa in a puppy due to Cuterebra infestation.

An 8 wk old Scottish terrier was evaluated for a 2×2 cm mass located directly adjacent to the lateral canthus of the right eye. Examination revealed a well-developed Cuterebra larva at the lateral aspect of the orbital cavity, anchored at the lateral canthus. The larva was manually removed under general anesthesia, and the eyelid margin was repaired. Systemic and topical antibiotics along with systemic anti-inflammatory treatment were instituted. The lesion healed completely, revealing a normal functional right eye 10 days after removal of the Cuterebra larva. Careful manual removal of the larva is recommended along with correction of any resultant conformational defects. The remaining cavity can be left to heal; however, antibiotic therapy is recommended.

Effects of topical instillation of 0.1% diclofenac sodium, 0.5% ketorolac tromethamine, and 0.03% flurbiprofen sodium on corneal sensitivity in ophthalmologically normal cats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of short-term and prolonged topical instillation of 0.1% diclofenac sodium, 0.5% ketorolac tromethamine, and 0.03% flurbiprofen sodium on corneal sensitivity (CS) in ophthalmologically normal cats. ANIMALS: 12 healthy adult domestic shorthair cats. PROCEDURES: In the first of 2 study phases, each cat received 0.1% diclofenac sodium, 0.5% ketorolac tromethamine, 0.03% flurbiprofen sodium, and saline (0.9% NaCl; control) solutions (1 drop [0.05 mL]/eye, q 5 min for 5 treatments) in a randomized order with a 2-day washout period between treatments. For each cat, an esthesiometer was used to measure CS before treatment initiation (baseline) and at 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes after the last dose. There was a 2-day washout period between phases. The second phase was similar to the first, except each treatment was administered at a dosage of 1 drop/eye, twice daily for 5 days and CS was measured before treatment initiation and at 15 minutes and 24 and 48 hours after the last dose. The Friedman test was used to evaluate change in CS over time. RESULTS: None of the 4 treatments had a significant effect on CS over time in either study phase. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that neither short-term nor prolonged topical instillation of 3 NSAID ophthalmic solutions had any effect on the CS of healthy cats. Given potential differences in cyclooxygenase expression between healthy and diseased eyes, further investigation of the effects of topical NSAID instillation in the eyes of cats with ocular surface inflammation is warranted.