Bilateral intraocular malignant neuroectodermal tumors in a telescope goldfish (Carassius auratus)

A 5‐year‐old male telescope goldfish (Carassius auratus) developed buphthalmia of the left eye. An enucleation was performed and a diagnosis of a neuroectodermal tumor was made on histological examination. Although the fish initially recovered, it was killed 49 days postsurgery due to a severe decline in its condition. On histological evaluation of postmortem tissue samples, it was determined that the fish also had a neuroectodermal tumor of the right eye with local invasion of the brain. On immunohistochemistry, the neoplastic cells were positive for S‐100. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first published case of naturally occurring bilateral intraocular neuroectodermal tumors in a fish.     

Inheritance of cataracts and primary lens luxation in Jack Russell Terriers

OBJECTIVE: To characterize heritability and mode of inheritance of cataracts and primary lens luxation in Jack Russell Terriers. ANIMALS: 872 Jack Russell Terriers from which buccal epithelial cells were collected and phenotypes for cataracts and lens luxation were determined and an additional 1,898 Jack Russell Terriers without phenotypic information used to complete pedigree relationships and that were included in the analyses. PROCEDURES: Narrow-sense heritabilities and genetic correlation for cataracts and lens luxation were modeled by use of threshold analysis, whereas complex segregation analysis was used to characterize mode of inheritance. For the analyses, dogs < 6 years old, unless confirmed as having cataracts or lens luxation, were classified as an unknown phenotype. The possible involvement of an HSF4 mutation in cataracts was determined by DNA sequencing. RESULTS: Cataracts and primary lens luxation were highly heritable and genetically correlated, and neither was controlled by a single gene. Cataracts were not associated with an HSF4 mutation. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Analysis of the data indicated that concerted selection against both cataracts and primary lens luxation when choosing breeding animals can be used to improve ocular health in Jack Russell Terriers.     

Primary lens instability in ten related cats: clinical and genetic considerations

Objectives : To describe bilateral lens instability in 10 related domestic shorthair cats over three generations. Methods : Complete ophthalmic examinations were performed. Lentectomies were carried out. Sections of affected lenses focused on the equatorial area were examined by transmission electron microscopy. The potential involvement of several candidate genes (ADAMTS17, ADAMTSL4, ADAMTS10 and FBN1) known to be associated with lens luxation in other species was investigated. Results : The group of animals included 10 related cats, nine of them being affected by lens instability over three generations. Transmission electron microscopy showed the presence of zonular material at the lens equator. Signs of lens instability were not associated with other ocular disease. Analysis of the pedigree suggests a dominantly inherited condition. A mutation in ADAMTS17 was excluded, but a possible association between the condition and a microsatellite flanking FBN1 indicates this gene should be considered a strong candidate responsible for primary lens luxation in this pedigree. Clinical Significance : These observations suggest an inherent zonular defect unrelated to extraneous factors. The family relationship is compatible with a possible genetic basis, and the pedigree suggests that the condition could be dominant. Data also suggest the mutation in the FBN1 gene could be responsible for primary lens luxation in this pedigree of cats.     

Presumptive congenital radial head sub‐luxation in a shih tzu: successful management by radial head ostectomy

Congenital radial head sub‐luxation was diagnosed in a 7‐month‐old, neutered male shih tzu that presented with a limb deformity and severe lameness of the right fore limb. Radiography revealed a craniolateral sub‐luxation of the right radial head, which was treated by radial head ostectomy, fixation of the radius to the ulna with a screw and joint stabilisation with suture‐anchors and cerclage wire. Surgical treatment followed by physiotherapy resulted in a fully functional, well‐aligned and non‐painful elbow. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first case report of a congenital radial head sub‐luxation in a craniolateral direction in a dog and also one successfully managed with radial head ostectomy and radioulnar synostosis.     

A modified ab externo approach for suture fixation of an intraocular lens implant in the dog

The goals of canine cataract and lens instability surgery should be to ensure a small incision, minimal tissue trauma, shortened surgical time, maintenance of the anterior chamber, and restoration of emmetropia through the use of a stable intraocular lens specifically designed for the canine eye. While this is usually the case with routine phacoemulsification and in-the-bag intraocular lens implantation, it is often not the case with lens instability, lens luxation or large posterior capsular ruptures. In such cases the incisions are often larger, surgical time and tissue trauma are excessive, and the patient is often left aphakic. The goal of this paper is to present a modified ab externo technique designed to allow removal of the lens and placement of a ciliary sulcus sutured IOL through a small incision, with minimal trauma and shortened surgical time. Use of this technique may allow more canine patients to be emmetropic postoperatively. In addition, the ease of this procedure may encourage earlier removal of an unstable lens and decrease the risk of secondary glaucoma and retinal detachment that occur in association with lens luxation.     

Toggle-pin technique for management of coxofemoral luxation in an alpaca

Objective: To report repair of a coxofemoral joint luxation in an Alpaca using a toggle‐pin technique. Study Design: Case report. Animals: An 11‐month intact male Alpaca with luxation of the right coxofemoral joint. Methods: The Alpaca was anesthetized and an open repair and reduction of the luxation was performed using a toggle‐pin technique. Results: The luxation was successfully reduced. An Ehmer sling was used for the initial 3 days after surgery and the Alpaca was discharged 7 days postoperatively without complications. Follow‐up examinations confirmed maintained reduction of the coxofemoral joint, as well as no evidence of lameness or muscle atrophy. Conclusions: Coxofemoral joint luxations in Alpacas can be successfully repaired using a toggle‐pin technique alone, without the need for other techniques such as capsular reconstruction or greater trochanter transposition. Use of an Ehmer sling for the immediate postoperative period provided additional protection to the repair and was tolerated well.     

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in a dog: ocular, cutaneous and articular abnormalities

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is an hereditary connective tissue disease in man in which the skin is easily torn. A similar condition has been described in dogs and other animals. This case report records a case in the United Kingdom in which the whole syndrome was exhibited: skin fragility, joint laxity and ocular signs of bilateral lens luxation, cataract and corneal oedema. It is the first report of ocular signs in EDS in the dog and joint laxity has been reported only rarely.     

Primary lens luxation in the Chinese Shar Pei: clinical and hereditary characteristics

A pedigree analysis of a family of 15 related Chinese Shar Peis was conducted. This pedigree analysis, including affected and nonaffected dams, sires and offspring, was compiled to document and characterize the occurrence, common clinical signs, and age of onset of primary lens luxation while suggesting a possible mode of inheritance in this breed. Of the five offspring from the mating of an affected dam to two unrelated affected males, 100% of offspring were affected with bilateral primary lens luxations. Of the four viable offspring from the mating of the same affected dam to an unrelated, unaffected male, two dogs (50%) were affected. The average age of onset of affected animals (seven) in this first generation was 4.9 years (range 3–6 years). The six dogs in the second generation of the same pedigree line were 2-years-old at examination with none of these animals affected at the time of this study. The most common presenting complaints were a unilateral change in ocular appearance (5 of 7 dogs) and subjective vision impairment (4 of 7 dogs). The most common clinical sign upon ophthalmic examination was iridodonesis (unilateral 4 of 7 dogs; bilateral 3 of 7 dogs) and the presence of an aphakic crescent (3 of 7 dogs). Gonioscopy and tonometry of severely affected eyes revealed a narrow or closed iridocorneal angle and ocular hypertension. This study suggests that primary lens luxation does occur in the Chinese Shar Pei, resembling the clinical condition (age of onset, clinical signs) previously described in the terrier breeds, the Border Collie, and the Tibetan Terrier. Application of the phenotypic findings in this study to a Mendelian genetic model of inheritance suggests that primary lens luxation in the Chinese Shar Pei is inherited as a simple autosomal recessive trait.     

Lens luxation in the dog and cat

Dislocation, or luxation, of the lens arises as a result of rupture of the zonular fibers, which suspend the lens from the ciliary body. In the dog, lens luxation is most frequently encountered as a primary, heritable condition in which there appears to be an inherent weakness of the zonule. The condition is limited mainly to the Terrier breeds but has also been described in the Tibetan Terrier and Border Collie. The disease is essentially bilateral but seldom becomes apparent clinically before 3 or after 7 years of age. In most primary luxations, the lens passes into the anterior chamber and such cases must be regarded as emergencies on account of the likely development of secondary glaucoma; posterior luxations are usually less troublesome. Other causes of lens luxation include cataract formation, glaucoma, and uveitis. Congenital dislocations and those attributable to trauma alone are rare. In the cat, lens luxations are usually secondary and arise in later life.     

Posterior lens luxation with associated glaucoma in a pony

Secondary lens luxation is an infrequent consequence of equine recurrent uveitis (ERU). This Case Report describes a pony with posterior lens luxation with associated glaucoma, thought to be secondary to ERU.     

Multiple congenital ocular anomalies syndrome in a family of Shetland and Deutsches Classic ponies in Belgium

The multiple congenital ocular anomalies (MCOA) syndrome has been associated with the Silver phenotype only in a few equine breeds. This report describes the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of MCOA in a family of Silver‐coated Shetland ponies including a 20‐year‐old stallion, 17‐year‐old mare and their 1.5‐year‐old female offspring. Another 7‐year‐old Silver female Deutsches Classic Pony descending from the same dam but from a different sire, was also examined. Each pony underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, tonometry, ocular ultrasonography and genotyping for the silver coat colour. The stallion had a thickened iris, temporal retinal atrophy and bilateral iridociliary and peripheral retinal cysts. All females presented more severe anomalies: cornea globosa, iridocorneal adhesions, miosis, hypoplastic granula iridica and poorly responsive pupils to light and to pharmacological mydriasis. Iris hypoplasia, anterior cortical cataracts and temporal retinal atrophy were detected in 2 mares. One female presented bilateral lens subluxation. Supero‐temporal cystic structures were confirmed ultrasonographically in all ponies. The stallion was heterozygous for the Silver mutation, whereas all females were homozygous. This is the first report of the MCOA syndrome in a family of Shetland ponies and a Deutsches Classic Pony in association with the Silver phenotype, in Europe.     

Coxofemoral luxation in pet rabbits: nine cases

Of the pet rabbits presented at one private practice between August 2011 and August 2016 (n=1369), 5·6% presented with a traumatic orthopaedic injury. Of these, 7·8% (n=6) presented with traumatic coxofemoral luxation, the most frequently observed type of luxation. Three cases of non‐traumatic coxofemoral luxation in pet rabbits are also discussed. Eight rabbits presented with craniodorsal luxation and one with caudoventral luxation. Five rabbits were initially treated using closed reduction and an Ehmer sling under sedation. Two rabbits responded satisfactorily to closed reduction; their bandages remained in place for 10 and 14 days, and movement was cage‐limited for 1 month after bandage placement. The bandage did not prevent re‐luxation in three cases. Therefore, two rabbits received iliofemoral nylon sutures, and three rabbits received a femoral neck and head ostectomy. One rabbit was treated directly using open reduction and an iliofemoral nylon suture due to fractures in the same limb. One rabbit was presented in shock, coxofemoral luxation was noticed as an incidental finding and euthanasia was elected by the owner. In conclusion, of the three rabbits treated via femoral neck and head ostectomy one rabbit had an unsatisfactory outcome and two rabbits have non‐assessable outcomes. The three rabbits treated with iliofemoral sutures showed satisfactory long‐term outcomes and the two rabbits treated with closed reduction and an Ehmer sling showed satisfactory medium and long‐term outcomes.     

Extended proximal trochleoplasty for the correction of bidirectional patellar luxation in seven Pomeranian dogs

Seven Pomeranians with bidirectional patellar luxation (BPL) were prospectively studied regarding aetiology and results of a new surgical technique. Radiographic evaluation of the ratio between patellar ligament length and patellar bone length revealed no differences between Pomeranians with bidirectional patellar luxation and healthy stifle joints. Functional rather than anatomic patella alta might be associated with bidirectional patellar luxation in Pomeranians. The surgical outcome of extended proximal trochleoplasty was good‐to‐excellent in 87·5% of the stifles and all dogs achieved functional recovery. There was only minimal radiographic progression of osteophyte formation at 48 weeks after surgery. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report on bidirectional patellar luxation in small breed dogs and its successful surgical treatment.     

Primary lens luxation in the Border Collie

Seven cases of lens luxation in related adult Border Collies are described. The clinical features, essential bilaterality and age of onset were similar to those of primary lens luxation encountered in the terrier breeds.     

Toggle rod stabilisation of coxofemoral luxation in 14 cats

Objectives : To describe the surgical technique and to report outcomes in cats with coxofemoral luxation treated with open reduction and toggle rod stabilisation. Methods : Retrospective study of cats with coxofemoral luxation stabilised via the toggle rod method. Short‐term follow‐up included clinical examination and radiographs. Long‐term follow‐up was via owner questionnaire. Results : Fourteen cats were included. All of the cats had reported unilateral craniodorsal hip luxation. Nine cats (64·3%) had additional orthopaedic injuries. Luxations were stabilised with a 3·2‐mm toggle rod (2·7‐mm toggle rod in one cat) and two loops of four‐metric polydioxanone (five‐metric polydioxanone in one cat and three loops of four‐metric polydioxanone in two cats). Success rate, in terms of maintenance of reduction, was 86%. Reluxation occurred in two cats (14%), both of which had multiple limb injuries. Eleven owner questionnaires (mean follow‐up time 15·5 months) reported a functional outcome of “very good” to “excellent”. Although the diameter of the pelvic canal was reduced by the presence of the toggle rod (mean narrowing 16.2%), none of the cats had defaecatory issues. Clinical Significance : Toggle rod stabilisation is an effective method for the treatment of coxofemoral luxation in cats. Injuries to multiple limbs may be a risk factor for reluxation.     

Canine ocular tumors following ciliary body ablation with intravitreal gentamicin

Iridociliary tumors are the second most common primary ocular tumor in dogs and are usually benign. A review of the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin (COPLOW) database in 2009 suggested a potential correlation between malignant iridociliary epithelial tumors and ciliary body ablation by intravitreal gentamicin injection for the treatment of glaucoma. The purpose of this case series was to determine whether there is evidence of such a correlation in the COPLOW collection. Mining of the COPLOW database revealed that a significant number (39.5%) of canine globes with a history of ciliary body ablation were subsequently diagnosed with primary ocular tumors at enucleation, most commonly iridociliary epithelial tumors and melanocytic tumors. It is possible that neoplasia was present but unrecognized at the time of ciliary body ablation. These tumors had a higher than expected incidence of malignancy. These cases underscore the importance of reserving ciliary body ablation with gentamicin for disease‐free eyes.     

Closed reduction of scapulohumeral joint luxation in an Icelandic horse after general anaesthesia

This report describes the clinical, ultrasonographic and radiographic findings in an 8‐year‐old Icelandic mare with unilateral shoulder luxation after general anaesthesia. Reduction of the luxated humerus was performed in a closed fashion using a calving jack under general anaesthesia. The horse recovered well and ultimately returned to its previous level of performance.     

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.     

Two is not necessarily better than one: A double lens in a pre-metamorphic adult axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)

An 8-year-old female pre-metamorphic axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) was examined for a suspected anterior lens luxation. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy revealed two lens-like structures in the anterior chamber of the right eye (OD), each with cataractous change. Ultrasound biomicroscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed without sedation, and revealed small lenticular structures each with distinct nuclei and cortices. Although a distinct connection of the two lenticular structures could not be definitively ruled out, the structures appeared separate. Each of the lenticular structures was closely associated with its respective iris leaflet. This report demonstrates application of advanced imaging for diagnostic use in axolotl ophthalmology, showing that imaging of the lens can be performed without sedation, topical anesthetic, nor contact gel with high diagnostic quality. Although two distinct lenses were diagnosed with no historical evidence of trauma, the small sizes of each lenticular structure, with no detectable connection between them, are suggestive of a possible regenerative abnormality. This report opens discussion for the regenerative capabilities of the pre-metamorphic adult axolotl and possible implementations of their use in regenerative medicine research for the development of future therapies.     

Luxation of the superficial digital flexor tendon in a cat

Superficial digital flexor luxation has been described in dogs, horses, and cattle. To the authors' knowledge, it has not been reported in cats. In the case of this report, monofilament nonabsorbable suture material was used to repair a laterally luxating superficial digital flexor tendon in a cat. The repair was similar to that which has been described in dogs. Whereas many etiologies of superficial tendon luxation have been proposed in dogs, trauma was believed to have contributed to the tendon luxation in this cat.