Primary central corneal hemangiosarcoma in a dog

Purpose To report a case of primary central corneal hemangiosarcoma in the dog. Methods An 11‐year‐old, neutered, female, German shepherd mixed breed dog was referred to the Hospital Veterinario Sierra de Madrid (Spain) for evaluation of an enlarging corneal mass of the left eye (OS). The dog was predominantly housed outdoors and was diagnosed with a history of chronic superficial keratitis of both eyes (OU) by the referring veterinarian. The corneal mass was resected by routine superficial keratectomy and submitted for histopathology and Factor VIII immunohistochemical staining. Results The mass was diagnosed as a corneal hemangiosarcoma with complete excision. Postoperatively, the keratectomy site healed without complication and there was no evidence of recurrence three and a half months postoperatively. Complete systemic evaluation, including abdominal ultrasound and CT scan of the head and thorax, indicated no other detectable neoplasia in the dog. Discussion Outdoor housing and ultraviolet exposure, breed, and chronic superficial keratitis were all suspected as contributing factors to the development of a primary corneal hemangiosarcoma. Surgical removal and postoperative treatment for chronic superficial keratitis provided effective therapy.     

Intraocular silicone prostheses in a dog and a horse with corneal lacerations

Intraocular silicone prostheses were implanted in the eyes of a horse and a dog with traumatic corneal lacerations and protrusion of intraocular contents. Several months after surgery, the horse and dog were tolerating the intraocular prostheses, and the appearance was cosmetically acceptable. This contradicts earlier reports that have cited corneal disease as a contraindication for implantation of intraocular silicone prostheses.     

Management of a persistent corneal erosion in a boxer dog

A dog was presented to the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine with a one-month history of corneal ulceration. The corneal lesion was diagnosed as a persistent corneal erosion (PCE) and treated initially with debridement and supported with a contact lens. One week later, the corneal erosion remained unepithelialized. Following debridement, multiple anterior stromal punctures were performed. Within 10 days, the erosion was healed as evidenced by coverage of the cornea with adherent, uninterrupted epithelium. The proposed etiology and management of PCE in dogs is discussed.     

Corneal ulceration in a dog following exposure to the defensive spray of a walkingstick insect (Anisomorpha spp.)

Objective – To describe a case of corneal ulceration in a dog resulting from ocular exposure to the defensive spray of a walkingstick insect (Anisomorpha spp.). Case Summary – A 4‐year‐old, male Chihuahua in southeastern Louisiana presented to an emergency veterinary hospital approximately 20 hours after it was witnessed to have come in close proximity to a walkingstick insect. Within seconds of approaching the insect, the dog yelped, jumped backwards and developed lacrimation, blepharospasm, and periocular swelling of the left eye. Upon presentation, the dog was found to have blepharospasms and miosis of the left eye. Fluorescein stain was applied to the affected eye and diffuse corneal uptake of stain was noted. A diffuse superficial corneal ulceration was diagnosed and treated supportively with ocular flushing, topical antibiotics, ocular lubrication, and a 1% solution of ocular atropine, as well as systemic nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory agents. Clinical signs resolved 10 days after injury. New or Unique Information Provided – While most species of walkingstick insects are considered harmless, certain species in the southeastern United States have the ability to spray defensive venom at their predators. Upon ocular exposure to the venom, the victim may experience intense pain followed by blurred vision, conjunctivitis, keratitis, and corneal ulceration. To date, there is only 1 previous reported case of ocular exposure to walkingstick venom in a dog although both children and animals may be at higher risk for ocular exposure due to their curious nature and proximity in size to the insect. Superficial corneal and conjunctival damage can occur following direct exposure to the defensive chemical spray of the Northern and Southern Twostriped walkingstick insects found in the southeastern United States and may be considered a differential diagnosis in cases involving diffuse corneal ulceration.     

Keratoconjunctivitis associated with Toxoplasma gondii in a dog

A 12-year-old Pug presented with a 3-mm corneal mass OD. The dog was currently being treated for keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and pigmentary keratitis OU. A superficial keratectomy followed by cryotherapy was performed OD. A histopathologic diagnosis of epithelial dysplasia and suppurative keratitis was made and the lesion resolved. Two months later, a yellow/tan conjunctival mass, diffuse chemosis and conjunctival thickening was discovered OD. Necrotizing conjunctivitis with protozoal parasites was diagnosed with histopathology. Complete blood count and a serum biochemistry panel were normal. Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii titers were negative. The conjunctivitis resolved after a 6-week course of oral clindamycin. Two months later, the patient presented with a similar conjunctival mass OS. Toxoplasma gondii was confirmed as the etiologic agent with immunohistochemical staining. Repeat T. gondii titers were negative. Oral clindamycin was re-instituted. The corneal biopsy was re-reviewed and protozoal organisms were discovered. Three months later, a recurrence was suspected and oral ponazuril was initiated for 28 days. There has been no evidence of recurrence since this treatment. Ocular toxoplasmosis is rare in the dog but reports have included episcleritis, scleritis, retinitis, anterior uveitis, ciliary epithelium hyperplasia, optic neuritis and polymyositis. To our knowledge, this is the first confirmed report of toxoplasmosis causing only corneal and conjunctival disease in the dog. We hypothesize that these localized lesions may be associated with topical immunomodulating therapy for KCS. Toxoplasmosis should be considered as a differential for canine conjunctivitis and corneal disease and has the potential to manifest in one or both eyes.     

28例犬、猫角膜疾病的诊疗

临床选取确诊为角膜疾病但眼压正常的犬、猫共28例,运用雾化熏蒸给药法,结合中医疗法的优势,根据病症分型,辨证施治。结果治疗犬、猫角膜疾病总有效率达85%,此结合疗法可为眼压异常的犬、猫角膜疾病治疗提供一定治疗模式。     

Angiostatin and integrin alphavbeta3 in the feline, bovine, canine, equine, porcine and murine retina and cornea

PURPOSE: Angiogenesis is tightly controlled in the ocular tissues of domestic animals but its mechanisms are not fully understood. This is largely because of insufficient data on the expression of molecules that impact angiogenesis. Because angiostatin and one of its receptors integrin alphavbeta3 inhibit and promote angiogenesis, respectively, we hypothesized that the normal retina and cornea of domestic animals would express angiostatin but not integrin alphavbeta3. PROCEDURE: Normal eyes of the cat, cow, dog, horse, pig and rat were evaluated for angiostatin and integrin alphavbeta3 by light and electron immunocytochemistry and estern blots. RESULTS: Angiostatin was detected in the corneal epithelium of the cat, dog, horse, pig and rat, but was not found in cow corneal epithelium. Angiostatin was localized in the nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer, inner and outer plexiform layers, and the photoreceptor layer of the cat, cow, dog and rat. Horse and pig retinas showed additional staining in the matrix of the inner nuclear layer. Immunogold electron microscopy further confirmed angiostatin in cat retina. Western blots showed angiostatin in corneal and retinal homogenates. Integrin alphavbeta3 was absent in cornea and retina of all the species studied. CONCLUSION: These data show that angiostatin, an inhibitor of angiogenesis, is present while integrin alphavbeta3, which promotes angiogenesis, is absent in normal cornea and retina of the domestic animals in this study with the exception being angiostatin absence in cow corneal epithelium. Therefore, angiostatin may contribute to the anti-angiogenic environment in the normal domestic animal eye while its absence in the cow may contribute to greater propensity for corneal vascularization. Because integrin alphavbeta3 is one of the receptors for angiostatin, its absence may prevent angiostatin from killing normal retinal and corneal cells.     

一例法斗犬眼角膜皮样囊肿切除及结膜瓣遮盖术

角膜皮样囊肿是一种长在人或动物的角膜、结膜、角巩膜等处被覆毛发的异常皮肤样组织。在人和动物均可见,动物中尤其是在牛和犬中较为常见。角膜皮样囊肿可以引发眼睑痉挛、眼分泌物增加、结膜炎、角膜炎和角膜溃疡等,严重者可导致角膜穿孔和眼球坏死。通过角膜切除术或结膜切除术,切除角膜皮样囊肿并对症治疗的方法来治疗眼部角膜皮样囊肿。以下是在2022年3月接诊的一例幼年法斗犬患有右侧眼角膜皮样囊肿,对患犬实施浅层角膜切除术切除右侧角膜皮样囊肿并用结膜瓣遮盖的手术方法进行治疗,术后恢复良好。     

The use of hydrophilic contact lenses in corneal diseases of the dog and cat: A preliminary report

ABSTRACT
Two types of hydrophilic contact lenses were tested in dogs and cats as part of the therapeutic régime of recurrent corneal erosions, superficial corneal ulcers and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. It was found that the lenses are well tolerated by these species when properly fitted to the cornea. If the lenses were not properly fitted, they were lost before their therapeutic effectiveness could be evaluated. The use of hydrophilic contact lenses appeared to be beneficial in the treatment of superificial corneal ulcers and recurrent corneal erosions in the dog and cat, but ineffective in the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca.     

Acute primary canine herpesvirus-1 dendritic ulcerative keratitis in an adult dog

We present a report of dendritic ulcerative keratitis in a 4-year old locally immunosuppressed dog suspected to result from acute primary canine herpesvirus-1 (CHV-1) infection. The dog was presented for evaluation of mild blepharospasm and conjunctival hyperemia in the right eye (OD) shortly after attending a public boarding facility. For approximately 3 months, the dog had been receiving topical prednisolone acetate 1.0% and tacrolimus 0.02% in both eyes (OU) q12h for treatment of follicular conjunctivitis. Ophthalmic examination revealed three regions of corneal fluorescein retention OD. The lesions had a dendritic pattern, were approximately 2-3 mm in length, and were located at the dorsomedial, lateral, and ventromedial aspects of the cornea. No additional abnormalities were noted on complete ophthalmic and physical examinations. CHV-1 was identified in conjunctival samples OD by polymerase chain reaction, and paired CHV-1 serum virus neutralization antibody titers were positive and consistent with acute infection. Topical prednisolone acetate and tacrolimus were discontinued. The dog was treated with cidofovir 0.5% OU q12h for a period of 4 weeks, with resolution of corneal disease noted within 1 week of treatment. In conjunction with previous studies, this case report supports a central role for alterations in host immune status in the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of CHV-1 ocular disease in dogs.     

Equine phacoclastic uveitis: the clinical manifestations, light microscopic findings, and therapy of 7 cases

This retrospective clinical study describes the clinical manifestations, light microscopic findings, and diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic lens rupture in the horse. Rupture of the lens capsule in the horse usually results in a chronic, blinding inflammation (phacoclastic uveitis) unless prompt surgical and medical therapies are implemented. The clinical manifestations of acute lens capsule rupture included: cataract; intralenticular displacement of iridal pigment; lens cortical fragments attached to the perforated lens capsule, iris, and corneal endothelium; miosis; aqueous flare; and usually a corneal or scleral perforation with ulceration or focal full thickness corneal edema and scarring. The clinical signs of chronic phacoclastic uveitis include blindness, phthisis bulbi, and generalized corneal opacification related to scarring, vascularization, pigmentation, and edema. In one horse, acute phacoclastic uveitis was successfully treated with phacoemulsification to remove the ruptured lens and medical therapy to control the accompanying inflammation. The affected eyes of the horses with chronic phacoclastic uveitis were enucleated because of persistent clinical signs of nonulcerative keratitis and uveitis, despite long-term medical management. The clinical manifestations and lack of improvement with medical therapy are similar in the horse, dog, cat, and rabbit. However, the histologic findings in equine phacoclastic uveitis differ significantly from those in the dog, and rabbit.     

Amiodarone-induced keratopathy in healthy dogs

Amiodarone has a broad spectrum as an antiarrhythmic agent and is indicated for patients with atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. Amiodarone-induced corneal deposits are the most common reversible side effect (70-100%) in humans. Additional ocular effects in humans include deposits in the lens, retina and optic nerve. This study was conducted to determine ocular effects of chronic oral amiodarone in healthy dogs. Six chronically amiodarone-treated dogs and four controls were used for this study. Ophthalmic examination was performed using biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy at the end of 4th, 7th and 11th weeks when dogs received amiodarone. Corneal microdeposits were observed at the end of the 7th week in one eye and at end of the 11th week in the other eye of one dog. Immediately following euthanasia, corneas and optic nerves were harvested for light and electron microscopic analysis. Light microscopic analysis showed corneal deposits in the basal epithelial cells of the cornea of the clinically affected dog. In addition, a significant increase in basal cell turnover as indicated by mitotic index was observed in the affected dog compared to both nondeposit amiodarone and control groups. All remaining animals were normal. One out of six dogs treated with amiodarone demonstrated corneal deposits (16%). This prevalence is low compared to humans. Explanations for this may include species variations particularly in volume of lacrimal secretion, or the need for longer administration. In addition, sunlight is believed to exacerbate the corneal deposits in humans and all dogs in this study were housed indoors.     

Corneal stromal sequestration in a dog

A case of corneal sequestrum in a 9-year-old Shih Tzu is reported. On the ophthalmic examination a brown-pigmented ulcer with mild edema and corneal vascularization was present. The brownish plaque was facing an inferior palpebral tumor. A superficial keratectomy followed by a grid keratotomy and removal of the palpebral mass were performed. Histological findings revealed an inflammatory cell infiltration underneath the acellular stromal layers. No melanin granules were observed. No vascular infiltration was present within the necrotic stroma. The surgical area healed and no recurrence has been reported by the owners at the time of writing. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a corneal sequestrum in a dog.     

Verticillate corneal dystrophy in a dog

A case of verticillate corneal dystrophy in a dog is described and is compared with the same condition in man.     

Malignant teratoid medulloepithelioma with brain and kidney involvement in a dog

ANIMAL STUDIED: A tumor of the left eye with involvement of the brain and kidney was diagnosed in a 4-year-old Neapolitan mastiff. PROCEDURE: The dog presented with acute glaucoma of the left eye. Peripheral corneal vascularization and severe corneal edema obscured examination of deeper structures. Because of concurrent progressive neurologic signs the dog was euthanized and a postmortem examination was performed. The eyes, brain and samples from the lung, heart, liver and kidneys were fixed in 4% neutral buffered formalin and embedded in paraffin wax. Sections were examined by light microscopy including histochemical and immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: The ocular tumor originated from the ciliary body and was composed of small islets and cords of poorly differentiated, oval to polyhedral cells surrounded by abundant ground substance. Areas with chondroid differentiation were observed. Rosettes were not found. Metastases with the same morphology were present in the brain and in one kidney. CONCLUSION: An intraocular malignant teratoid medulloepithelioma with metastases to the brain and kidney is presented.     

Autogenous lamellar corneal grafting in dogs

Lamellar, autogenous, corneal grafts were performed on 9 clinically normal dogs (1 eye in each of 2 dogs and both eyes in each of 7 dogs) and 7 dogs with corneal disease (1 eye in each dog). Nylon, polyglycolic acid, polyglactin 910, and polydioxanone suture materials were used in 8-0 to 10-0 sizes. The eyes of the normal dogs were examined weekly for up to 16 weeks; corneal endothelium was reestablished in all eyes by 6 weeks after surgery. The eyes of the dogs with corneal disease were reexamined periodically for up to 9 months. Twenty-two of 23 (95.7%) grafts were considered successful in that they were translucent, and the dogs were able to see after surgery. The suture materials that caused the least tissue reaction were nylon and polyglactin 910. This procedure is indicated for chronic descemetoceles and other perforating corneal disease. It has the advantage of rapidly resolving severe corneal disease, with a high degree of success.     

Successful treatment of an unusually large corneal epithelial inclusion cyst using equine amniotic membrane in a dog

A 10‐year‐old intact male Yorkshire Terrier was referred for investigation of a large raised and nonpainful corneal lesion oculus dexter. Clinical examination revealed a pale, translucent corneal mass, which occupied half of the corneal surface and measured 11 mm × 11 mm × 13 mm. The mass was removed by superficial keratectomy and equine amniotic membrane (AM) was transplanted into the large corneal defect to cover the wound and provide tectonic support for the remaining cornea. The mass was histologically confirmed as a corneal epithelial inclusion cyst. There was no evidence of recurrence or complication at the surgical site 100 days postoperatively. Corneal epithelial inclusion cysts are uncommon in dogs. Although superficial keratectomy is the recommended treatment for corneal inclusion cyst, the combination of superficial keratectomy and AM transplantation had to be considered as an alternative for repair of large corneal defects. This is the first case report of the combined application of AM and superficial keratectomy to successfully treat a corneal inclusion cyst in a dog.