Bilateral nasolacrimal duct atresia in a cria

A 2-month-old, male alpaca had a 1-month history of mucoid ocular discharge from the left eye. Signalment, history and clinical findings were suggestive of a congenital nasolacrimal outflow obstruction. A dacryocystorhinogram confirmed bilateral nasolacrimal duct atresia, which involved the distal half of both nasolacrimal ducts. In order to establish alternative outflow, a conjunctivomaxillosinusotomy and conjunctivorhinostomy were performed on the right and left eye, respectively. The surgical openings remain patent after 11 months, and there have been no clinical signs of nasolacrimal disease.     

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

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

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY-ANATOMY OF THE NORMAL FELINE NASOLACRIMAL DRAINAGE SYSTEM

Computed tomography (CT) of the nasolacrimal drainage system with and without contrast medium (barium sulfate) was used to create an anatomic basis for clinical evaluation in domestic cats. To evaluate and compare the anatomical findings, three casts were carried out and were followed by CT examinations. These CT series were also used for a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the nasolacrimal drainage system within surrounding structures. In noncontrast CT images, osseous structures limiting the nasolacrimal drainage system are easily recognizable. In most cats, this allows the identification of the nasolacrimal drainage system even without contrast enhancement. A distal part of the lacrimal sac adjoins directly to the respiratory mucosa of the nasal cavity without an osseous protection. Thus, this may represent a predilection site for infiltration of adjacent pathologic processes from the nasal cavity onto the lacrimal sac. The nasolacrimal duct begins on level with the maxillary third premolar tooth. The apex of the root of the canine tooth is situated very close to the nasolacrimal duct. This close topographic relation may lead to problems with the nasolacrimal drainage system. In domestic cats the nasolacrimal drainage system consists of a descending and a horizontal part, which form an angle of approximately 90 degrees for unhindered drainage of the lacrimal fluid.     

Suture exostosis causing obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct in three horses

CASE HISTORY Three horses were presented with facial swelling and epiphora.

CLINICAL FINDINGS: All horses had facial swellings and radiographic findings consistent with exostosis at the lacrimomaxillary suture, and ipsilateral epiphora. Positive contrast dacryocystorhinography demonstrated that the site of obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct was located where the duct traverses the lacrimomaxillary suture.

DIAGNOSIS: Lacrimomaxillary suture exostosis.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Lacrimomaxillary suture exostosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of epiphora in horses. Dacryocystorhinography, preferably retrograde and normograde, may be used as an aid to diagnosis.     

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

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