Objectives
To evaluate two visual aid devices in blind dogs.
Materials and Methods
Transit time and number of collisions through a maze were recorded for 12 chronically and irreversibly blind dogs. Each dog repeated the maze while fitted with a BlindSight® echolocation device, or Muffin's Halo® physical barrier. They then repeated another maze test after a 30‐day device acclimation period at home.
Results
All dogs had fewer collisions when wearing the halo device versus their baseline with no device. Dogs ≤11.8 kg had fewer collisions when acclimated to the halo versus their baseline with no device or when acclimated to the BlindSight®. For dogs >11.8 kg, maze completion time was faster when acclimated to the BlindSight® versus their baseline with no device or when acclimated to a halo. Owner surveys indicated no noticeable improvement in quality of life or dog navigation at home with either device.
Clinical Significance
This study demonstrates the utility of commercially available visual aid devices in aiding blind dogs' navigation and may help veterinarians make recommendations to owners of blind dogs regarding the purchase of these devices.
Case Description. A two-month-old, female, Aberdeen-Angus calf was presented for congenital cataracts and blindness in both eyes (OU). The dam had a reported history of visual defects (not specified) and had produced other affected calves (per owner history). Ophthalmic examination revealed mature bilateral cataracts, attenuation of the iridic granules, persistent pupillary membranes, and dyscoric pupils. Additionally, the calf had a poor body condition, prognathism, dome-shaped head, excessive nasal drainage, limb contracture, and fever. Histopathology of both eyes revealed lenticular degeneration (congenital cataracts), retinal dysplasia, and optic nerve hypoplasia. BVDV IHC detected antigen within only the left eye (OS), consisting of intrahistiocytic and endothelial immunoreactivity within the ciliary body, iris, and choroid. No BVDV immunoreactivity could be detected in the right eye (OD). This case highlights the unique ocular changes present in in utero BVDV infection of cattle with a different immunohistochemical staining profile than previously described.
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