A retrospective-cohort study on the development of cataracts in dogs with diabetes mellitus: 200 cases

The objective of the study was to determine the incidence and estimated median time to cataract formation in dogs with diabetes mellitus. The animals studied were 200 dogs with diabetes mellitus which were referred to a university teaching hospital between 1985 and 1995. Medical records from dogs with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus were reviewed and, where necessary, further follow-up information was gathered from the referring veterinarian. Incidence rate and median time to diabetic cataract formation was calculated using survival-analysis techniques in a retrospective cohort study design. Among the 200 dogs in the study population, 23 had cataracts at the time of diabetes diagnosis that were presumed to be related to other disease processes. Of the remaining 177 dogs, 132 had documented cataract development with features suggestive as being secondary to diabetes. Twenty-three dogs did not have obvious cataracts at the time of their last examination while 22 dogs did not have cataracts at the time they were lost to follow-up. These 55 cases contributed to the statistical models as noncases of cataracts until the last date for which an examination was available. Half of the population had developed cataracts by the 170th day postdiagnosis of diabetes mellitus, while 75% and 80% of the population developed cataracts by 370 days and 470 days, respectively. The results of this study suggest that the majority of dogs with diabetes will develop cataracts within 5–6 months from the time of diagnosis of the disease, and that approximately 80% of dogs will develop cataracts within 16 months of diagnosis.     

Traumatic corneal laceration with associated lens capsule disruption: a retrospective study of 77 clinical cases from 1999 to 2009

Objective Examine prognostic factors that may indicate when surgical lens removal is indicated to prevent vision‐threatening complications in patients presented following traumatic perforating corneal laceration with associated lens capsule disruption. Procedures Seventy‐seven patients (10 cats and 67 dogs) were evaluated with this injury; of these, 47 were presented acutely and treated surgically and/or medically. Successful outcome was defined as functional vision in the treated eye. Results The 47 patients with acute injuries were divided into 3 treatment groups A‐C for comparison; A ‐ corneal repair/lens removal (n = 15), B ‐ corneal repair/no lens removal (n = 9), C – medical management (n = 23). Groups A and B showed a significantly greater rate of vision loss compared to Group C that was most obvious greater than 18 months post‐injury (P = 0.029 and 0.0097, respectively). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis found a significantly higher increased rate of vision loss in Group A (HR = 4.5; P = 0.023) and a higher but nonsignificant increased rate of vision loss in Group B (HR = 3.0; P = 0.23) compared to Group C after controlling for age and cause of injury. The length of the corneal laceration and time interval from injury to referral were also relevant prognostic factors. Conclusions Medical management is an appropriate therapy for patients of all ages suffering perforating corneal injuries with associated lens capsule disruption. Patients with corneal injuries requiring surgical repair or managed by lens removal following corneal repair suffered vision‐threatening complications approximately 3 to 4.5 times the rate of patients treated by medical management, respectively. Favorable prognostic signs for treatment by medical management include good corneal wound apposition and a formed anterior chamber without uveal prolapse or continued aqueous leakage.     

Detection of anti-lens crystallin antibody in dogs with and without cataracts

Objective To determine if antilens crystallin (ALC) serum and aqueous humor antibodies were present in normal dogs and dogs with cataracts, whether antibody incidence varied with stage of cataract, and whether antibody titer had a relationship to the presence of lens‐induced uveitis. Methods Serum and aqueous humor samples were obtained from normal dogs and dogs with cataracts. Lens crystallin was separated by SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE), and antilens crystallin antibodies were detected by Western immunoblot analysis. An indirect ELISA using crystallin protein as antigen was also used to detect antilens crystallin antibodies in serum and aqueous humor. Test groups included normal, incipient, immature, mature, hypermature and diabetic cataract. Results SDS‐PAGE identified bands with molecular weights of lens crystallin subunits. Western immunoblotting demonstrated reaction between canine serum and these protein bands. The five canine serum samples that reacted with crystallin subunits on Western blots had corresponding reactivity on the ELISA. All aqueous humor samples (30) were negative. Serum ALC antibodies were detected in 59.3% (16/27) of controls, 66.7% (16/24) of incipients, 50.0% (10/20) of immatures, 37.9% (11/29) of matures, 28.6% (6/21) of hypermatures, and 26.7% (4/15) of diabetics. Serum ALC antibodies were detected in 43.1% (47/109) of all cataract samples. There was a statistically significant negative association between the presence (P = 0.004) and maturity (P = 0.004) of cataract and presence of ALC serum antibodies. In the immature and hypermature cataract groups, there was a statistically significant negative association between ALC serum antibody titer and severity of uveitis (95% confidence interval). Conclusions There is a negative association between the presence (P = 0.004) and maturity (P = 0.004) of cataract and presence of ALC serum antibodies.     

A comparison of anesthetic complications between diabetic and nondiabetic dogs undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery: a retrospective study

Objective To compare the incidence of anesthetic complications in diabetic and nondiabetic dogs undergoing general anesthesia and phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Procedure The medical and anesthetic records of all dogs undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery at Davies Veterinary Specialists between 2005 and 2008 were reviewed. Anesthetic records were evaluated by an ECVAA Diplomate. Dogs for which records were incomplete were excluded. The anesthetic technique, including all drugs administered in the perioperative period, was recorded. The anesthetic complications investigated included hypotension (MAP (mmHg): ≥55 none/mild; ≤54 moderate/severe), bradycardia (<60 bpm associated with hypotension) and hypothermia (esophageal temperature <36.7 °C). Where hypotension was present, the method of and response to treatment was recorded. The incidence of severe hyperglycemia (blood glucose >13.75 mmol/L (250 mg/dL)) in the diabetic group was also assessed. Results 66 diabetic and 64 nondiabetic dogs were included in the study. Diabetic dogs were more likely to develop moderate and severe intraoperative hypotension than nondiabetic dogs. Forty‐four percent of diabetic dogs had at least one episode of severe hyperglycemia whilst anesthetized. Conclusions Diabetic dogs undergoing phacoemulsification are more likely to suffer the anesthetic complications of moderate and severe hypotension than nondiabetic dogs. The increased incidence and severity of hypotension in diabetic dogs may be explained by hypovolemia secondary to hyperglycemia and resultant osmotic diuresis.     

Intraocular sarcoma associated with lens capsule rupture and persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous in a dog

This case report describes the clinical findings and ocular pathology in an adult Golden Retriever diagnosed with an intraocular sarcoma. Nineteen s prior to diagnosis with a lens capsule rupture and intraocular sarcoma, the dog was diagnosed with persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous and uveitis based on clinical signs and the ultrasonographic appearance of the eye. Two years after enucleation, there was no evidence of metastatic spread of the sarcoma. The immunohistochemical characteristics of the tumor as well as the limitations and supportive evidence used in attempting to identify the histogenesis of the tumor are outlined.     

Phacoemulsification and acryl foldable intraocular lens implantation in dogs: 32 cases

This study evaluated the surgical outcome and complications of phacoemulsification and the implantation of an acryl foldable intraocular lens (IOL) with a squared edge in dogs with cataracts. Thirty-two eyes from 26 dogs were examined. The mean follow up period was 75.9 days ranging from 23 to 226 days. The complications after phacoemulsification were posterior capsular opacity (PCO) around the IOL (n = 11), ocular hypertension (n = 4), focal posterior synechia (n = 4), hyphema (n = 3) and corneal ulcer (n = 2). The complications associated with the IOL were decenteration of the optic (n = 2) and ventral haptic displacement (n = 1). Most cases of PCO were found only around the margin of the IOL, and all eyes had vision during the observation period. In conclusion, the implantation of an acryl-foldable lens with a squared edge at the time of phacoemulsification is an effective method for preserving the central visual field of dogs with cataract.     

Prevalence of feline cataract: results of a cross-sectional study of 2000 normal animals, 50 cats with diabetes and one hundred cats following dehydrational crises

Objective In this study 2000 normal cats, 50 cats with diabetes and 100 cats with a history of dehydrational crises were examined ophthalmoscopically to determine presence of cataract. Materials and methods The cats examined were predominantly from veterinary hospital populations but also from re‐homing facilities and breeding catteries. Prevalence of cataract was determined for different age groups (year cohorts). The age at which prevalence of cataract was 50% (C₅₀) was determined indirectly from a fitted prevalence curve as previously described. C₅₀ was determined for animals of different genders and different breeds as well as for those with diabetes and histories of dehydrational episodes related to chronic renal failure, chronic vomiting or chronic diarrhea. Results The mean ± standard deviation of C₅₀ for all normal cats in the study was 12.7 ± 3.4 years. All cats over 17.5 years were affected by some degree of lens opacity. C₅₀ for cats with diabetes was 5.6 ± 1.9 years (significantly different from normal cats at P < 0.0001). For cats with a history of dehydrational crises C₅₀ was 9.9 ± 2.5 (difference from normal cats nearing statistical significance at P = 0.06). Conclusion The study yields novel findings regarding the prevalence of age‐related cataract in normal cats together with cats with diabetes and history of previous dehydrational episodes in which prevalence of cataract is increased.     

Effect of oral antioxidants on the progression of canine senile cataracts: a retrospective study

BackgroundCataracts are the leading cause of impaired vision or blindness in dogs. There are many antioxidants that can prevent cataract progression, but whether they are clinically effective in dogs has not been established.ObjectivesTo analyze the delaying or preventing effect of oral antioxidants on canine senile cataracts through retrospective analysis.MethodsMedical records of dogs from January 1, 2015 to July 10, 2020 were reviewed. Dogs that were 8 yr of age or older with senile cataracts were included in this study. The dogs were divided into two treatment groups (dogs administered with Ocu-GLO supplement and dogs administered with Meni-One Eye R/C supplement) and a control group (dogs that were not administered any supplement). Dogs with incipient and immature cataracts were included in this study. Altogether, 112 dogs (156 eyes) with incipient cataracts and 60 dogs (77 eyes) with immature cataracts were included. The period of time that cataracts progressed from incipient to immature, and from immature to mature was recorded for each dog.ResultsThere was no significant delaying effect on the progression of incipient cataracts. However, both Ocu-GLO (hazard ratio = 0.265, p = 0.026) and Meni-One (hazard ratio = 0.246, p = 0.005) significantly delayed the progression of immature cataracts compared to the control group.ConclusionsAlthough there was no significant delaying effect of oral antioxidants on incipient cataract progression, antioxidants could be used to delay the progression of senile immature cataract.     

Evaluation of plasma-ionized magnesium concentration in 122 dogs with diabetes mellitus: a retrospective study

The goal of this study was to evaluate plasma-ionized magnesium (iMg2+) concentration in a large group of dogs with naturally occurring diabetes mellitus and to determine whether dogs with diabetes mellitus have hypomagnesemia, as reported in diabetic humans and cats. Plasma iMg2+ concentrations were retrospectively evaluated at the time of initial examination of 122 diabetic dogs at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Diabetic dogs were defined as having uncomplicated diabetes mellitus (DM, 78 dogs) diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA, 32 dogs), or ketotic nonacidotic diabetes mellitus (DK, 12 dogs) on the basis of presence or absence of metabolic acidosis or ketonuria. Twenty-two control dogs were used to determine reference values for plasma iMg2+ concentration in healthy dogs. Plasma iMg2+ concentration also was evaluated in 19 nondiabetic dogs with acute pancreatitis because many of the dogs with DKA had concurrent acute pancreatitis. Plasma iMg2+ concentration was significantly higher in dogs with DKA (median 0.41 mmol/L, reference range 0.14-0.72 mmol/L) than in dogs with DM (0.33 mmol/L, 0.17-0.65 mmol/L; P = .0002) or the control group (0.32 mmol/L, 0.26-0.41 mmol/L; P = .006). There were no significant differences between plasma iMg2+ concentrations in dogs with DM or DK compared with control dogs. We conclude that dogs with naturally occurring diabetes mellitus do not have marked hypomagnesemia on initial examination at a tertiary care center.     

Ocular signs of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis: a retrospective study in dogs from Barcelona, Spain

Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is a tick-borne disease caused by the rickettsia Ehrlichia canis. Ocular lesions are a common feature of the disease and can be present in all stages. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the prevalence, type and response to treatment of ocular lesions associated with monocytic ehrlichiosis in 46 affected dogs presented to the Autonomous University of Barcelona-Veterinary Teaching Hospital (UAB-VTH) from January 2000 to December 2002. Dogs were included in the study only if they had a positive serologic test for E. canis and information about the clinical outcome was available. Eighteen breeds were represented, with the German Shepherd dog (n = 6) being the most common. There were 25 intact and three castrated males, and 16 intact and two neutered females. Twenty dogs (43.4%) were between 5 and 10 years old. Seventeen dogs (37% of all cases of monocytic ehrlichiosis diagnosed during the study period) had ocular signs, and 11 dogs (64.7% of the ocular cases) had only ocular lesions without apparent systemic signs. Exudative retinal detachment was the most common ocular manifestation; other prevalent findings included anterior exudative uveitis and optic neuritis. Five of the 17 cases with ocular lesions (29.4%) had ocular bleeding disorders (hyphema or retinal hemorrhages). All the dogs with ocular disease presented with bilateral signs. Dogs with posterior segment disease had titers against E. canis that were > or = 1 : 320, while lower titers were noted in dogs with anterior exudative uveitis. Two dogs presented with chronic autoimmune panuveitis after ehrlichiosis treatment. Canine ehrlichiosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of exudative retinal detachment and anterior uveal inflammatory lesions.     

Management of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs) in dogs with diamond burr debridement and placement of a bandage contact lens

Objective To describe the outcome of canine spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCED) treated with diamond burr debridement (DBD) and bandage contact lens placement (BCL). Animal studied Forty eyes of 36 dogs presenting to a single private practice. Procedures A retrospective review of medical records was performed. Cases were eligible for inclusion if they were newly diagnosed with SCCED by a veterinary ophthalmologist and treated with DBD/BCL. All patients received a complete ocular examination followed by DBD using a battery‐powered, handheld motorized burr (Algerbrush^®, Alger Equipment Company, Lago Vista, TX, USA). A BCL was placed post‐debridement in all patients. Data were analyzed for sex, age, breed, duration of clinical signs prior to DBD; number of debridements required before healing was achieved; contact lens retention, complications attributed to DBD, and additional surgical interventions were required to achieve healing. Results The median time to first recheck examination was 7 days (IQR 7–9 days) with 28/40 (70%) of cases healed at this examination. The mean time to second recheck examination was 15.5 ± 5.5 days with 37/40 (92.5%) healed by this examination. The median time to final recheck examination was 19 days (IQR 18–35.5 days) with a range of 18–52 days. All cases resolved by the third and final recheck examination. A second DBD/BCL was performed in 5/40 (12.5%) of cases. The BCL retention rate was 95% over all examination time points. No case required a keratectomy or other surgical intervention to achieve healing. The only complication observed was one case of suspected bacterial keratitis post‐DBD/BCL. Conclusions Results suggest that DBD/BCL is safe and effective for treatment of canine SCCED.     

Efficacy and safety of allogenic canine adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in four dogs: A pilot study

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess regenerative and immunomodulatory properties and can control the immune dysregulation that leads to β-cell destruction. Stem-cell transplantation could thus manage insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in dogs. In this pilot study, we aimed to assess canine adipose tissue-derived MSCs (cAT-MSCs) transplantation as a treatment for canine diabetes mellitus. This study included four dogs with over a year of insulin treatment for IDDM, following diagnosis at the Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital of Seoul National University. Allogenic cAT-MSCs were infused intravenously three or five times monthly to dogs with IDDM. Blood and urine samples were obtained monthly. General clinical symptoms, including changes in body weight, vitality, appetite, and water intake were assessed. Three of the four owners observed improvement of vitality after stem cell treatment. Two of the four dogs showed improvement in appetite and body weight, polyuria, and polydipsia. C-peptide has increased by about 5–15% in three of the cases, and fructosamine and HbA1c levels have improved in two of the cases. Hyperlipidemia was resolved in two of the dogs, and there was no concurrent bacterial cystitis in any of the dogs. C-peptide secretion and lipid metabolism are associated with diabetic complications. Improvement in these parameters following the treatment suggests that cAT-MSC transplantation in dogs with IDDM might help to improve their insulin secretory capacity and prevent diabetic complications.     

Evaluation of an insulin zinc suspension for control of naturally occurring diabetes mellitus in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate duration of action of an insulin zinc suspension (Caninsulin, Intervet) in spontaneously occurring cases of canine diabetes mellitus and suitability of its use as a once daily administered insulin for treatment of this disease. DESIGN: Eight client-owned canine diabetics were included in a prospective pilot study. All dogs had been treated with Caninsulin for a minimum of 2 months and were considered on clinical grounds to be adequately stabilised. PROCEDURE: Dogs were hospitalised for 24 h and blood collected every 2 h via indwelling venous catheters for blood glucose determination. RESULTS: Once daily Caninsulin administration failed to maintain glycaemic control for greater than 13 h in five of eight dogs, but acceptable blood glucose concentrations were maintained for 22 h and greater than 24 h in two others. One dog became distressed during hospitalisation and the blood glucose curve did not show an identifiable response to the insulin. CONCLUSION: Most diabetic dogs may require twice daily administration of Caninsulin for satisfactory glycaemic control, but once daily administration may be adequate in some animals. More comprehensive investigation into duration of activity of Caninsulin is warranted.