Aspergillus spp. panophthalmitis with intralenticular invasion in dogs: report of two cases

This case series describes the ocular, clinical and histologic manifestations of disseminated Aspergillosis in two dogs. Two dogs presented for severe unilateral panophthalmitis and secondary glaucoma with positive Aspergillus spp. titers. Case 1 showed no clinicopathologic systemic symptoms of fungal dissemination, however, case 2 was affected with acute renal failure. The affected eye of case 1 did not respond to medical therapy and was enucleated for comfort. The affected eye of case 2 responded to aggressive topical and systemic medical therapies, however, the patient was euthanized for acute renal failure. Globes were collected for histologic evaluation at the time of death. Histology of both revealed panophthalmitis with presence of significant intraocular hemorrhage, multifocal fungal granulomas, retinal and optic nerve changes consistent with secondary glaucoma, rupture of the anterior lens capsule, and fungal invasion and colonization of the intralenticular space. These cases represent a unique and devastating ocular manifestation of disseminated Aspergillosis. Cases presenting with uveitis and secondary glaucoma of unknown origin, especially with confirmed or suspected lens capsular rupture, should have serologic testing for this infectious agent.     

The causes of glaucoma in cats

The cause of glaucoma in 131 enucleated eyes from 128 cats was determined in a retrospective histologic study. Obliteration of the ciliary cleft by diffuse iridal melanoma (38 eyes), or other neoplasms (14 eyes), or by the presence of idiopathic lymphocytic-plasmacytic anterior uveitis (53 eyes) were the most frequent lesions likely to explain the development of glaucoma. Secondary changes of inner retinal atrophy, optic disc cupping, scleral thinning with megaglobus, and atrophy of ciliary processes were similar to those described in dogs and human beings with chronic glaucoma. In light of the duration and severity of the glaucoma, the degree of inner retinal atrophy was often less than expected. Diffuse corneal edema and breaks in Descemet's membrane, changes typical of glaucoma in other species, were rarely detected. Eyes with chronic uveitis and glaucoma had collapsed ciliary clefts, iridoscleral adhesions, and posterior displacement of the iris. We were unable to determine whether these changes were consequences of the uveitis and thus responsible for the development of glaucoma, or if they were merely the result of the chronic glaucoma itself.     

Golden Retriever uveitis: 75 cases (1994-1999)

OBJECTIVE: To document the presenting ocular signs and the clinical course of Golden Retriever dogs with a progressive anterior uveitis, often associated with the histologic presence of iridociliary cysts. Animals studied Seventy-five Golden Retriever dogs (142 affected eyes) referred to a private practice referral ophthalmology clinic between 1994 and 1999. Procedures Complete ophthalmic evaluation with slit-lamp biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, applanation tonometry, and gonioscopy. Hematology, serum biochemical evaluations, and serologic titers for endemic infectious agents were also used in selected cases. RESULTS: The age range of affected dogs was 4.5-14.5 years, with a mean age of 8.6 +/- 2.1 years. The majority of the dogs (n = 66) were affected in both eyes at first presentation. The sex distribution included 4 intact males, 32 neutered males, and 39 spayed females. Hematology, serum biochemical evaluations, and serologic titers for endemic infectious agents failed to demonstrate any underlying disorder. The ophthalmic hallmark of this syndrome was the appearance of pigment on the anterior lens capsule, often in a radial orientation. This capsular pigment was seen both with and without associated uveal cysts. Although single to multiple iridociliary cysts were noted clinically in only 13.3% of the cases, cysts were common on histopathology of advanced glaucomatous, blind eyes. Fibrin was observed in the anterior chamber of 37% of the cases, and often was a precursor for glaucoma. Cataract formation (37%) and glaucoma (46%) were frequent sequelae to the uveitis. Posterior synechiae formation occurred in 50% of the cases. Histopathologic analysis of four enucleated eyes and the eviscerated specimens from 14 glaucomatous eyes demonstrated thin-walled iridociliary epithelial cysts in 3/4 and 12/14 cases, respectively. Microscopically, little to no uveal inflammatory infiltration was commonly noted. Conclusion The overall prognosis for this progressive uveitis in Golden Retriever dogs is guarded, with 46% of the eyes becoming blind due to glaucoma. Iridociliary cysts in Golden Retriever dogs may lead to the development of glaucoma in this breed.     

Endogenous mycotic endophthalmitis in a dog with candiduria and Evans syndrome

This report describes the clinical presentation, diagnosis, histologic lesions, and outcome of endogenous mycotic endophthalmitis secondary to candiduria in a three‐year‐old female spayed Dachshund. The dog was being treated for Evans syndrome for one month prior to being diagnosed with candiduria and fibrinous uveitis OS. The left eye was enucleated due to secondary glaucoma, and the fungal urinary tract infection was treated successfully. Uveitis developed in the contralateral eye with relapse of the urinary tract infection in the following weeks. The right eye was medically managed until secondary glaucoma developed and was subsequently enucleated. Histopathology of both eyes showed evidence of endophthalmitis with intralesional fungal organisms, consistent with Candida spp. Ocular candidiasis is rare in dogs. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of endogenous mycotic endophthalmitis with concurrent candiduria in a dog.     

Retinal detachment in horses: 40 cases (1998-2005)

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical features, ophthalmic examination findings, etiology, treatment, and outcome of horses diagnosed with retinal detachment (RD). ANIMALS STUDIED: Forty horses, presented to the North Carolina State University and The Ohio State University Veterinary Teaching Hospitals from 1998 to 2005 that were diagnosed with RD. PROCEDURE(S): Horses with documented RD, confirmed either on ophthalmic examination or by ultrasonography, and with a complete medical record were included. Information retrieved from the medical records included signalment, presenting complaint, duration of clinical signs, ophthalmologic examination findings, diagnostics performed, identified cause of the retinal detachment, treatment given, and outcome. RESULTS: Forty horses (46 eyes) were diagnosed with RD. Mean +/- SD duration of clinical signs of ocular disease was 10.5 +/- 14.7 months. Thirty-four horses presented with unilateral involvement, 6 with bilateral, 14 with partial and 32 with complete RD. Ultrasonography was used to make the diagnosis in 26 eyes, while RD was diagnosed on routine ocular examination in 20 eyes. Bullous RD was the only type of RD observed, although small vitreal traction bands were considered secondary to the underlying inflammation or trauma. RD caused by equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) was diagnosed in 27 of 40 (67.5%) horses. Trauma-induced RD involved 10 of the 40 horses (25%). Presenting problems included known ERU (n = 16), acute or progressive vision loss (n = 9), known ocular trauma (n = 6), cataract (n = 6), and a cloudy cornea (n = 3). No horses regained vision after RD despite therapy. Many eyes were enucleated or eviscerated, or the horses were euthanized. Seven eyes with complete RD were noted to be unchanged and comfortable with medical therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The visual prognosis of RD in horses is grave; however, horses with nontraumatic RD (most commonly ERU) may be able to maintain a comfortable but blind globe with anti-inflammatory medical therapy.     

Comparison of the use of new handheld tonometers and established applanation tonometers in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To examine the practical aspects, accuracy, and reproducibility of 2 new automatic handheld tonometers in dogs and compare them with results for 2 established applanation tonometers. ANIMALS: 15 freshly enucleated canine eyes for manometric evaluation and 20 conscious research dogs, 20 client-owned dogs, and 12 dogs with acute glaucoma for clinical tonometry. PROCEDURE: Calibration curves were determined for all 4 tonometers on 15 enucleated canine eyes. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured with each tonometer consecutively in conscious dogs, with the MacKay-Marg applanation tonometer as the reference device. Measurements were repeated in 20 sedated dogs. An induction-impact tonometer was evaluated clinically on dogs with acute glaucoma. Additionally, measurements obtained by an experienced and an inexperienced examiner and with or without use of topical anesthesia were compared. RESULTS: The portable pneumatonometer was cumbersome and time-consuming. Compared with results for the reference applanation tonometer, and confirmed by manometry, the portable pneumatonometer increasingly underestimated actual IOP values with increasing IOP. The induction-impact tonometer provided accurate and reproducible measurement values. There was a significant strong correlation between the IOP values obtained by the 2 examiners (r2, 0.82) and also with or without topical anesthesia (r2, 0.86). In dogs with glaucoma, the fitted line comparing values for the reference applanation tonometer and induction-impact tonometer closely resembled an ideal 1:1 relationship. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Use of the portable pneumatonometer in dogs appears to have disadvantages. The induction-impact tonometer appears to provide a promising alternative to the use of applanation tonometers in dogs.     

Cataracts are not associated with retinal detachment in the Bichon Frise in the UK--a retrospective study of preoperative findings and outcomes in 40 eyes

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the Bichon Frise population in the UK is at the same risk of developing retinal detachment in association with cataract formation and following phacoemulsification as described in reports from the USA. Procedures The medical records of Bichon Frises which were presented for cataract assessment and of those which were treated with phacoemulsification at Willows Referral Service between 1997 and 2009 were reviewed. Results Forty eyes (26 dogs) with unilateral or bilateral cataracts were included in the study. There was no evidence of retinal detachment associated with the cataracts at initial presentation. Phacoemulsification was performed on 34 eyes (20 dogs). Clinically evident lens‐induced uveitis was treated preoperatively in 17/34 eyes. Artificial lens implantation was carried out in 30/34 eyes; automated anterior vitrectomy was performed in 7/34 eyes. The mean follow‐up time was 16.6 months (range 1.5–73 months). At the last re‐examination, 31/34 eyes (91.2%) were visual. Three eyes (8.8%) were blind – two (in the same dog) because of presumptive bilateral optic nerve disease and one because of uveitis and secondary glaucoma. There was no evidence of retinal detachment following phacoemulsification in any of the 34 eyes. Conclusion This study suggests that the Bichon Frise population in the UK does not appear to have a predisposition for retinal detachment in association with cataract formation or following cataract surgery. Prophylactic random transscleral laser retinopexy or transscleral cryopexy cannot therefore be routinely recommended for Bichon Frises with cataracts in the UK.     

Primary glaucoma in Burmese cats

OBJECTIVE: To document the clinical signs and management of primary glaucoma in Burmese cats. DESIGN: A retrospective study of six affected Burmese cats, from 1996 to 2001. Procedure Six Burmese cats diagnosed with primary glaucoma were managed over periods varying from 3 months to 4.5 years. Clinical details were obtained from practice records. Gonioscopic examination of the drainage or iridocorneal angle in eyes of these affected cats was made. RESULTS: Six desexed female Burmese cats (ages 7.0 to 10.5 years) presented with complaints of either unilateral (n = 4) or bilateral (n = 2) red eye, dilated pupil or enlarged eye. In one of the affected cats, one eye had been enucleated prior to the commencement of the study, thus a total of 11 eyes were examined. Clinically, all affected eyes (n = 8) had injected episcleral blood vessels and elevated intraocular pressure. Gonioscopy revealed the presence of nine narrow and two closed iridocorneal angles. Medical therapy included topical 2% dorzolamide (n = 8), 0.5% timolol maleate (n = 1), 0.005% latanoprost (n = 1) and 0.5-1.0% prednisolone acetate (n = 8). Surgery was performed in six eyes using either diode laser (n = 5) and/or cryothermy (n = 2) and one eye was eviscerated, with implantation of a prosthesis. With therapy, five affected eyes maintained vision and normal intraocular pressure, one eye remained blind with normal intraocular pressure, one eye remained blind with elevated intraocular pressure and one eye was eviscerated. CONCLUSIONS: The Burmese cat may be predisposed to primary narrow-angle glaucoma. Early diagnosis and continuous antiglaucoma therapy can help control intraocular pressure and maintain vision.     

Evaluation of risk factors for development of secondary glaucoma in dogs: 156 cases (1999-2004)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the immediately antecedent cause of secondary glaucoma and the prevalence of secondary glaucoma with anterior uveitis or lens dislocation in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 156 dogs with secondary glaucoma. PROCEDURES: Cause of glaucoma was determined from records. Breed, age, sex, and neuter status of all dogs with secondary glaucoma were compared with the general hospital population. The prevalence of secondary glaucoma in dogs with a primary diagnosis of lens dislocation or anterior uveitis during the same period was determined. RESULTS: Secondary glaucoma was diagnosed in 156 of 2,257 (6.9%) dogs examined because of ophthalmic disease and was bilateral in 33 (21.2%) of those dogs. In 31 (94%) bilaterally affected dogs, the antecedent cause was the same in both eyes. Common causes of secondary glaucoma were non-surgical anterior uveitis (44.9%), anterior uveitis associated with prior phacoemulsification (15.8%), and lens dislocation (15.2%). Parson Russell Terriers, Poodles, Boston Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and Australian Cattle Dogs had diagnoses of secondary glaucoma more often than expected, compared with the reference population. Age, sex, neuter status, and laterality were not associated with secondary glaucoma. The prevalence of secondary glaucoma in dogs with lens dislocation or uveitis was 15% or 17%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Glaucoma develops secondary to many intraocular diseases, particularly uveitis and lens dislocation. Diagnosis of these diseases should prompt frequent monitoring of intraocular pressure, regardless of signalment.     

A study of the morphology of canine eyes enucleated or eviscerated due to complications following phacoemulsification

This study was undertaken to describe the histopathologic abnormalities observed in canine eyes enucleated or eviscerated due to complications following phacoemulsification; to correlate these findings with the clinical abnormalities reported, and to suggest, if apparent, likely causes and effects of these abnormalities. Sixty-six canine globes or evisceration samples received for histopathologic interpretation over a 10-year period (1990-2000) were studied. All globes and evisceration samples were obtained from clinical patients examined by board-certified ophthalmologists. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and alcian blue/periodic acid Schiff (PAS) stained sections were examined by light microscopy in every case. A tissue Gram stain was used when indicated. Clinical information obtained from the pathology submission form was reviewed in all cases, and obtained from questionnaires completed and returned by an ophthalmologist for 51 cases (77%). The most frequent histopathologic diagnoses were glaucoma (76%) and retinal detachment (64%). The most frequently reported clinical abnormalities in this series were glaucoma (86%) and uveitis (82%). Five problem areas were identified that appear to make a significant contribution to the failure of canine cataract surgery and merit further investigation: pre-iridal fibrovascular membranes; lens fiber regrowth; lens epithelial membranes; endophthalmitis, and the health of the corneal surgical incision.     

Inherited retinal dysplasia and persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous in Miniature Schnauzer dogs

The objectives of this study were to define the clinical syndrome of retinal dysplasia and persistent primary vitreous in Miniature Schnauzer dogs and determine the etiology. We examined 106 Miniature Schnauzers using a biomicroscope and indirect ophthalmoscope. The anterior and posterior segments of affected dogs were photographed. Four enucleated eyes were examined using routine light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. A pedigree was constructed and related dogs were test-bred to define the mode of inheritance of this syndrome. Congenital retinal dysplasia was confirmed in 24 of 106 related Miniature Schnauzer dogs. Physical and postmortem examinations revealed that congenital abnormalities were limited to the eyes. Biomicroscopic, indirect ophthalmoscopic, and neuro-ophthalmic examinations confirmed that some of these dogs were blind secondary to bilateral retinal dysplasia and detachment (nonattachment) (n = 13), and the remainder had generalized retinal dysplasia (n = 11). Fifteen of these dogs were also diagnosed with unilateral (n = 9) or bilateral (n = 6) persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous. Nutritional, infectious, or toxic etiologies were not evident on physical, postmortem, light microscopic, or transmitting and scanning electron microscopic examination of four affected Miniature Schnauzers. We examined the pedigree and determined that an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance was most likely. Three test-bred litters including those from affected parents, carrier and affected parents, and carrier parents confirmed this mode of inheritance. This study confirms that retinal dysplasia and persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous is a congenital abnormality that is inherited as an autosomal recessive condition in Miniature Schnauzers.     

Diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma in client-owned rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus): 16 eyes from 11 rabbits (2008–2019)

BackgroundAlthough rabbits are commonly used as laboratory models for human glaucoma, management of this disease in pet rabbits has received little attention in the current literature. Spontaneous congenital glaucoma was initially described in New Zealand Whites as an autosomal recessive trait manifesting early in life. Glaucoma may also develop secondary to cataracts, uveitis, or other ocular pathologies. Findings associated with glaucoma in rabbits include elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal edema, loss of vision, optic nerve head cupping, and progressive buphthalmia. Topical medications, intravitreal gentamicin injections, and various surgical techniques have been used to manage glaucoma in rabbits. This case series details the presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and clinical progression of glaucoma in rabbits at Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University and VCA South Shore (Weymouth) Animal Hospital from 2008-2019.MethodsThe records of Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University and VCA South Shore (Weymouth) Animal Hospital were retrospectively reviewed to identify records of rabbits diagnosed with glaucoma by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist or ophthalmology resident between 2008-2019.ResultsGlaucoma was diagnosed in 16 eyes from 11 rabbits. Median IOP at diagnosis was 39 mmHg (26-55 mmHg) with various clinical signs at presentation including vision loss (11 rabbits, 16 eyes), buphthalmia (8 rabbits, 11 eyes), corneal edema (4 rabbits, 5 eyes), and optic nerve head cupping (5 rabbits, 6 eyes). Other ocular examination findings included cataracts (5 rabbits, 8 eyes) and uveitis (4 rabbits, 8 eyes). Two rabbits were seropositive for Encephalitozoon cuniculi. All eyes were initially treated with topical medications, with 10 eyes from 7 rabbits refractory to initial medical management. Two rabbits (3 eyes) showed progressive reduction in IOPs with long-term continuing topical therapy. Two rabbits (2 eyes) underwent unilateral enucleation and 3 rabbits (5 eyes) received intravitreal gentamicin injections.ConclusionsEtiology of glaucoma in rabbits is likely more varied than previously thought, as many of the cases described were not consistent with primary congenital glaucoma. Topical treatments were effective in many rabbits. In those refractory to medical management, enucleation or intravitreal gentamicin injection were successful in decreasing IOP as second-line therapy when performed.     

Combined cycloablation and gonioimplantation for treatment of glaucoma in dogs: 18 cases (1992-1998)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a combined cycloablative and gonioimplantation technique for treatment of glaucoma in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 18 adult dogs with glaucoma. PROCEDURE: Medical records of dogs that received a valved gonioimplant and a cyclodestructive procedure (cyclocryoablation or diode laser cyclophotocoagulation) during a 6-year period were reviewed. Retention of vision and intraocular pressure control were assessed, as well as number and nature of complications. RESULTS: 19 eyes of 18 dogs received a valved gonioimplant and either cyclocryoablation (n = 12) or diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (7). At > or = 1 year after surgery, 11 of 19 eyes had vision and 14 of 19 eyes had intraocular pressure < 25 mm Hg. Two dogs (2 eyes) were lost to follow-up 3 and 6 months after surgery. Despite the alternative route for aqueous humor flow created by the gonioimplant, 7 eyes had increased intraocular pressure (27 to 61 mm Hg) < 24 hours after surgery. Other complications included excessive intraocular fibrin, focal retinal detachment, corneal ulcer, retinal hemorrhage, cataract, and implant migration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Combined cycloablation and gonioimplantation appears to be a promising technique for retention of vision and control of intraocular pressure in dogs with glaucoma.     

Development of glaucoma after phacoemulsification for removal of cataracts in dogs: 22 cases (1987-1997)

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors contributing to glaucoma after lens extraction via phacoemulsification in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 22 dogs (29 eyes) with glaucoma and 21 dogs (30 eyes) without glaucoma after phacoemulsification. PROCEDURE: Medical record review. RESULTS: Eyes at increased risk for glaucoma included those of Boston Terriers, those with uveal or retinal abnormalities before surgery, and those with intraoperative intraocular hemorrhage. Significant differences between groups were not detected for incidence of preoperative lens-induced uveitis, presence of an intraocular lens, or frequency of an acute postoperative increase in intraocular pressure. Glaucoma developed (mean +/- SD) 12.8+/-14.1 months (median, 10 months; range, 0.25 to 55 months) after surgery. Eighteen of 29 (62%) eyes with potential for vision after onset of glaucoma retained vision for a mean of 16.5+/-12.8 months (median, 10.8 months; range, 1.5 to 37 months) after glaucoma was diagnosed. Most of these eyes still had vision at the conclusion of the study period. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Risk factors identified by this study will aid in preoperative counseling of clients and refining selection criteria for candidates for phacoemulsification. Careful follow-up for the remainder of the dog's life after surgery may improve long-term success rates by permitting early intervention before intraocular pressure increases substantially and vision is irreversibly lost. Surgery for cataracts may still be worthwhile in dogs with increased risk of glaucoma, especially if elderly, because of the lengthy period to onset of glaucoma after surgery and the beneficial effects of treatment after glaucoma develops.     

Uveitis associated with poliosis and vitiligo in six dogs

Idiopathic panuveitis with retinal detachment was associated with facial poliosis, vitiligo, and alopecia in 6 dogs; 4 were adult males. Dermatohistologic examination of affected facial sites from all dogs revealed a lichenoid dermatitis and unusual histiocytic cells. Intensive topical and systemic corticosteroid and topical mydriatic/cycloplegic therapy was successful in controlling uveitis in all dogs for variable periods. Three dogs, monitored for 12, 30, and 46 months, retained useful vision despite infrequent recurrence of uveitis. One dog was lost for subsequent examination. Two dogs were euthanatized and necropsied. Ocular histologic examination of these dogs revealed extensive granulomatous iridocyclitis and choroiditis, with retinal detachment and lenticular degeneration.     

Management of bilateral uveitis in a Toxoplasma gondii-seropositive cat with histopathologic evidence of fungal panuveitis

A 5-year-old, neutered male Domestic Short-haired cat was referred with a 5-month history of anterior uveitis and cataract in the right eye. Clinical examination confirmed anterior uveitis and immature cataract in the right eye and chorioretinitis in the left eye. Ocular ultrasound showed a retinal detachment in the right eye. Diagnostic testing revealed elevated serum titers for Toxoplasma gondii. Anterior uveitis in the right eye and chorioretinitis in the left eye progressed, resulting in blindness despite a 21-day course of clindamycin and aggressive topical medical management of uveitis. The right eye was enucleated and histopathologic evaluation of the globe revealed panuveitis and multiple organisms morphologically consistent with Histoplasma capsulatum. Systemic treatment with itraconazole was initiated. Vision returned after 3 months of treatment and complete resolution of the retinal hemorrhages with formation of a flat chorioretinal scar was noted after 6 months of therapy. Itraconazole was discontinued 7 months after starting therapy, at which time the funduscopic appearance of the chorioretinal scar had remained static for 1 month. The cat has remained visual without evidence of disease progression for 6 months following discontinuation of itraconazole.     

Canine cataracts, diabetes mellitus and spontaneous lens capsule rupture: a retrospective study of 18 dogs

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical presentation and surgical outcome of diabetic canine patients with cataracts and preoperative spontaneous lens capsule rupture. ANIMALS STUDIED: A total of 20 dogs and 40 eyes were included in the retrospective evaluation. The patients' ages ranged from 5 to 14 years (mean 8.5 years). RESULTS: All dogs had clinical diabetes mellitus, with the duration since diagnosis ranging from 30 to 240 days (mean 123 days). Cataracts were bilateral and noted to have been present for 14-112 days (mean 39 days). Of the 40 eyes affected with cataracts, 30 had a spontaneous rupture of the lens capsule prior to surgery. The capsular rupture was diagnosed on clinical examination in 28/30 eyes and was noted intraoperatively in 2/30. The location of the capsular rupture was equatorial in 29/30 and posterior in 1/30 eyes. Surgery was performed in 38/40 eyes, with one case lost to follow-up without surgical intervention. Prior to surgery, routine diagnostic ophthalmic examination, ocular ultrasound, electroretinography, and systemic evaluation were performed in all dogs. Surgical procedures included phacoemulsification in 28/40 eyes, with IOL placement performed in 20/28 eyes. Intrascleral prosthesis placement or enucleation was performed in 8/40 and 2/40 eyes, respectively, due to a significantly reduced ERG or secondary glaucoma. CONCLUSIONS: The duration of clinical follow-up (19/20 dogs) ranged from 1 to 36 months (mean 12.9 months). All eyes that had cataract surgery with or without IOL placement were sighted at the time of the last follow-up examination. Spontaneous lens capsule rupture associated with diabetes mellitus, cataract and rapid lens intumescence occurs in the dog. Early surgical intervention, prior to secondary complications of glaucoma and loss of retinal function, is associated with a favorable outcome.     

Glaucoma in the dog and cat

Conjunctivitis, mydriasis, corneal edema, lens luxation, buphthalmos, and blindness are caused by elevated IOP in the glaucomas. Primary glaucomas with a bilateral potential for development are noted in two cats and several dog breeds, with secondary glaucomas caused by uveitis and neoplasia common in the cat and dog. Tonometric evaluation is essential for the early diagnosis and management of glaucoma. Medical therapy of topical demecarium bromide and timolol maleate, with systemic dichlorphenamide, are recommended for general glaucoma maintenance therapy in dogs and cats. Transcleral cyclophotocoagulation will surgically reduce IOP in cases in which maximum medication has been reached.     

Postoperative complications and visual outcomes of phacoemulsification in 103 dogs (179 eyes): 2006-2008

Objective To describe the postoperative complications and visual outcome after phacoemulsification in dogs and identify risk factors for complications. Animals studied One hundred and three dogs (179 eyes) that had phacoemulsification with or without intraocular lens (IOL) placement including foldable acrylic IOLs between March 2006 and March 2008 at Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Procedure Medical records were reviewed and occurrence and dates of postoperative complications were tabulated. Visual status at the final recheck during the study period was recorded. Additional information including signalment, diabetes mellitus status, operative complications and factors, presence of prior lens induced uveitis, preoperative retinopexy, and cataract stage was collected. Results The majority of eyes were functionally visual (148 eyes, 82.7%) at the end of the study period. Blindness was seen in 18 eyes (10.0%) with reduced vision in 13 eyes (7.3%) at the final recheck. Postoperative ocular hypertension (22.9%), corneal lipid opacity (19.0%), uveitis (16.2%), intraocular hemorrhage (12.3%), retinal detachment (8.4%), and glaucoma (6.7%) were the most common postoperative complications seen in eyes. The odds of blindness were significantly greater (OR = 290.44) in the eyes of Boston terriers compared with mixed breed dogs and with each year of increasing age (OR = 2.00). Conclusion The prognosis for vision after phacoemulsification with injectable IOL placement is good. Boston terriers were at much higher risk for certain complications.     

A histopathological study of iridociliary cysts and glaucoma in Golden Retrievers

This is a retrospective histopathological study of archive slides from the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin from 1981 to 1997. Reports on eyes or ocular contents from 2176 dogs were reviewed. Five-hundred and thirty out of 2176 (24%) of the cases had a clinical or histologic diagnosis of glaucoma. Twenty-five out of 530 (5%) of the canine cases of glaucoma were in Golden Retrievers. Thirteen out of 25 (52%) of the Golden Retriever cases of glaucoma had iridociliary cysts. Iridociliary cysts in Golden Retrievers may lead to the development of glaucoma. Histologically all 13 of the cases of glaucoma and iridociliary cysts had large thin-walled cysts lined with attenuated cuboidal epithelium filling most of the posterior chamber. The following histologic features were also present: thick walled cysts containing hyaluronic acid (8/13; 62%), a solid cellular proliferation (2/13; 15%), a retrocorneal membrane associated with a defect in Descemet's membrane (7/13; 54%), iris bombé (5/13; 38%), a preiridal fibrovascular membrane (4/13; 31%), hemorrhage (4/13; 31%), a cellular membrane on the anterior lens surface (6/13; 46%), retinal detachment (5/13; 38%), peripheral anterior synechia (5/13; 38%), and posterior synechia (6/13; 46%). Complete follow up was obtained on 11/13 (85%) of the Golden Retrievers with glaucoma and iridociliary cysts. Two/11 (18%) of the dogs were euthanized due to intractable glaucoma. Eight/13 (62%) of the dogs had problems in the other eye. The other eye was diagnosed with uveitis 5/11 (45%), glaucoma 2/11(18%), pigment in the anterior chamber 3/11 (27%), and iridociliary cysts 4/11 (36%).