Surgical removal of a dermoid cyst from the bony part of the nasolacrimal duct in a Scottish highland cattle heifer

The ophthalmologic, radiologic and surgical findings of a 2-year-old Scottish Highland Cattle heifer with a dermoid cyst within the bony part of the nasolacrimal duct and the successful treatment are presented.     

The nasolacrimal duct of the mule: Anatomy and clinical considerations

This study investigated the location of the nasolacrimal orifice (NLO) and course of the nasolacrimal duct in the mule using visual examination, gross dissection and computed tomography (dacryocystography [CT‐DCG]) and concluded that the location of the NLO is distinct from that described for horses and donkeys and is easily located, by visual examination alone, within the internal cutaneous tissue of the lateral wall of the external nares. The course of the nasolacrimal duct caudal to the nasal vestibule is similar to that of the horse.     

Nasolacrimal obstruction caused by root abscess of the upper canine in a cat

A 10‐year‐old, castrated male domestic short hair cat was presented to the Small Animal Clinic at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine with a presenting complaint of chronic, ocular discharge from the left eye. Ocular examination confirmed epiphora and mucopurulent discharge but there were no apparent reasons for the ocular discharge, and nasolacrimal obstruction was suspected. The cat had swelling of the left side of the face, severe periodontal disease and a fractured upper left canine tooth with pulpal exposure. Dacryocystorhinography revealed narrowing of the nasolacrimal duct above the root of the fractured upper left canine and dental radiographs showed a severe periapical lucency at the apex of the upper left canine tooth. The fractured canine tooth was removed. Subsequently, the ocular discharge and facial swelling resolved. After 2 years, the epiphora has never reoccurred. This is a noteworthy case because a suspected root abscess resulted in extralumenal compression of the nasolacrimal duct, which shows the importance of a thorough oral examination when nasolacrimal obstruction is evident.     

CASE REPORT: Anomalous nasolacrimal openings in a 2‐year‐old Morgan filly

This case report describes the clinical, diagnostic, computed tomography findings, and surgical treatment of a 2‐year‐old Morgan filly with bilateral, proximal, and distal anomalous nasolacrimal duct openings.     

Clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome of dacryocystitis in rabbits: a retrospective study of 28 cases (2003–2007)

Objective  To document the clinical presentation, diagnostics, treatment, and clinical outcome of rabbits with dacryocystitis.
Materials and methods  This retrospective study included 28 rabbits diagnosed with dacryocystitis. Available records of clinical and ophthalmological examinations, bacteriological samplings, diagnostic imaging, and treatment were reviewed. A telephone survey of the owners was conducted to evaluate recovery and recurrences.
Results  The mean age of the 28 rabbits presenting with ocular discharge from the nasolacrimal duct was 4.4 years. In 25 rabbits (89%), dacryocystitis was a unilateral finding. No underlying cause could be determined in 10 animals (35%). Dental malocclusion was observed in 14 rabbits (50%) and rhinitis in two animals (7%), with one animal showing both symptoms (4%). One rabbit (4%) presented with panophthalmitis. Most animals (96%) received topical antibiotic treatment. If necessary, additional topical (acetylcysteine, vitamin A ointment, nonsteroidals) or systemic treatment (antibiotics, nonsteroidals, paramunity inducer, and glucocorticoids) was provided. The mean duration of therapy was 5.8 weeks. The nasolacrimal duct was flushed in 27 of 31 affected eyes (87%). Dentistry was performed in 80% of the animals suffering from malocclusion. Regarding the clinical outcome, 12 animals (43%) showed complete recovery, eight rabbits (28%) were euthanized, three (11%) died due to unrelated causes, and three (11%) were lost to follow-up. Two rabbits (7%) continue to display signs of dacryocystitis and are being treated symptomatically by the owners.
Conclusions  This study reports the clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome of dacryocystitis in rabbits and outlines the importance of examination of the oral cavity, diagnostic imaging, and bacteriologic sampling.     

Bilateral parotid duct transposition for keratoconjunctivitis sicca in a Connemara stallion

A 7‐year‐old Connemara stallion was presented with a 4 month history of blepharospasm, recurrent corneal ulcerations, mucopurulent ocular discharge, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in both eyes unresponsive to medical therapy. Ophthalmic examination revealed lackluster corneas, axial corneal scarring and pigmentation with associated neovascularization, and absolute KCS in both eyes. Computed tomography scan and endoscopic evaluation of the upper airway and guttural pouches revealed no structural abnormalities to indicate neurogenic KCS. The stallion was diagnosed with immune‐mediated dacryoadenitis as all other causes of KCS were excluded. Parotid duct transposition (PDT) was performed in the right eye followed by PDT in the left eye 4 weeks later. The right PDT was functional 2 years post‐operatively with significant improvement in ocular comfort and reduced corneal fibrosis and neovascularization. The left PDT developed a salivary‐cutaneous fistula over the left masseter muscle post‐operatively due to avascular necrosis of the distal parotid duct (PD). Surgical reconstruction of the PDT using an expanded‐polytetrafluoroethylene (e‐PTFE) tube graft, an e‐PTFE tube graft to autogenous caudal auricular vein graft, and an autogenous saphenous vein graft were all unsuccessful. Tear production in the left eye improved at 1 year post‐surgery as a result of long term lacrostimulant therapy, and a permanent PD‐cutaneous fistula was performed on the left PD at the level of the ventral mandible. Bilateral PDT in the horse is effective in resolving clinical signs associated with KCS; however, morbidity associated with avascular necrosis of the transposed PD may be significant and can result in surgical failure.     

Rectal atresia in a newborn donkey

A case of a type I rectal atresia (also known as membranous rectal atresia) in a newborn donkey is reported. Clinical examination, survey radiographs and barium enema radiographs suggested rectal atresia. An exploratory laparotomy was performed; however, surgical correction of the defect was not possible due to the narrow pelvic cavity. Euthanasia was performed. At necropsy, it was possible to observe a fibrous cord connecting the small colon to a residual rectal ampulla, which opened to a normal anus. The radiographic and anatomical characteristics enabled the classification of the defect as type I rectal atresia, which is a rare congenital anomaly that is difficult to correct through surgery. This report contributes to the study of rectal atresia in newborn equids, alerts for the occurrence in donkeys and is, to our knowledge, the first to be reported in this species in Brazil.     

Bilateral choanal atresia in a cat

A 7-month-old female spayed domestic shorthair cat was presented for investigation of stertor, open mouth breathing without apparent distress, and chronic bilateral nasal discharge that was unresponsive to antibiotics. Complete bilateral bony choanal atresia was diagnosed with computed tomography and nasopharyngoscopy. Choanal atresia is an uncommon congenital condition where the choana (nasal passage into the nasopharynx) is blocked by abnormal bone or soft tissue uni- or bilaterally. The cat's clinical signs improved dramatically immediately after trans-palatal surgical correction. Post-surgical complications included the development of nasopharyngeal scar tissue and subsequent stenosis, persistent right-sided nasal discharge, and permanent damage to the right eye (blindness and cataract formation). Nasopharyngeal stenosis was managed with repeated balloon dilatations and temporary stenting, and the owner reported an excellent quality of life at 8-month follow-up. Bilateral bony choanal atresia has not been previously reported in cats. Uni- or bilateral choanal atresia should be considered in young cats presenting with refractory stertor, chronic nasal discharge, and/or open mouth breathing.     

Calcification associated with the nasolacrimal system of a horse: case report and mineralogic composition

A 12-year-old Paso Fino mare was evaluated for a chronic nasal and ocular discharge. A calcification was identified eroding through the nasal mucosa of the middle meatus. Differential considerations for this mass included dacryolith, nasal calculus, or calcified tooth root abscess. Anatomical location and case history and progression supported a dacryolith. Following removal, the calculus was submitted for mineralogic analysis. The calculus was primarily carbonate hydroxylapatite (Ca10(PO4)3(CO3)3(OH)2) with a minor NaCl halite constituent. Dacryoliths, or nasolacrimal calculi, are an uncommon occurrence in animals, and sparsely reported in humans. The etiopathogenesis of dacryolith formation is unknown. The objective of this article was to report the first case report of an equine nasolacrimal system dacryolith and its mineralogic composition.     

Bilateral iliac arterial thrombosis in an alpaca (Vicugna pacos) cria

A 3-month-old male alpaca was presented for acute onset of non-weight-bearing left hind limb lameness. Antemortem diagnostics revealed a mass to the right of the urinary bladder and no blood flow in the left femoral artery. Necropsy revealed bilateral iliac arterial thrombi and an abscess near the urinary bladder.     

Use of canaliculorhinostomy for repair of nasolacrimal duct obstruction in a horse

Obstruction of the nasolacrimal outflow pathway in horses is not uncommon. Causes of obstruction include foreign bodies, trauma, and congenital abnormalities. Placement of a nasolacrimal retention stylette may prove challenging.     

Repair of anomalous nasolacrimal duct in a bull by use of conjunctivorhinostomy

A proximal nasolacrimal duct anomaly, believed to be congenital, in a bull was repaired by use of conjunctivorhinostomy. Initial attempts at correction, using prolonged nasolacrimal duct catheterization, were unsuccessful. Trephination from the medial canthus to the ventral nasal meatus, combined with long-term catheterization of this new passage, was successful in resolving clinical signs of disease.     

Surgical management of atresia ani and perineal hypospadias in a miniature donkey foal

A 3‐week‐old miniature donkey was evaluated for tenesmus and constipation resulting from atresia ani. The foal was also diagnosed with hypospadias extending from its perineum to the glans penis and caudoventral penile deviation. A common opening on the perineum allowed faeces and urine to be excreted together, preventing complete intestinal obstruction. Surgical correction of the atresia ani was performed, along with resection of the incomplete urethra, nonfunctional penis and testes. The anal and perineal reconstruction procedures resolved the miniature donkey's difficulty in defaecation. The anourethral portion of the repair healed, but the anoperineal portion dehisced and healed by second intention. The client was satisfied with the outcome.     

Intraosseous approach to the nasolacrimal duct for removal of a foreign body in a dog

A Labrador retriever was evaluated because of chronic mucopurulent discharge from the left eye. A foreign body was identified in the nasolacrimal duct by use of dacryocystorhinography. Attempts to alleviate the inflammation by use of flushing and administration of antimicrobials were unsuccessful. At surgery, the infraorbital foramen was used as a landmark for a skin incision, because the nasolacrimal duct courses dorsal and parallel to the infraorbital canal. An air drill was used to remove the portion of the maxillary bone overlying the nasolacrimal duct, which exposed the intraosseous portion of the duct and allowed removal of a plant-material foreign body. The incision in the duct was allowed to heal by second intention, and the dog recovered without complications.     

Congenital hepatoblastoma in a neonatal alpaca cria.

A neonatal alpaca cria found to have minimal clinical abnormalities was diagnosed postmortem with an epithelial-type hepatoblastoma with combined embryonal and fetal patterns, based on previously reported morphological features. Camelid neoplasia and domestic animal hepatoblastomas are very rare, with only a single case of congenital hepatoblastoma in a domestic animal previously reported.