Objective The aim of this prospective study was to compare tear film quality between dogs who have previously undergone cryoepilation for distichiasis to a reference population. Animals Studied Nine dogs (17 eyes) were recruited after surgery and were compared to a reference population of 21 dogs (42 eyes). Procedures Canine patients who had previously undergone cryoepilation for distichiasis for a minimum of 1 month prior to examination were recruited. A complete ophthalmic examination was performed by an ABVO resident (BDR), with additional tear tests, including tear film interferometry, infra‐red meibography, and a tear film break‐up time (TFBUT) performed. The tear test results were compared to a reference population obtained from client‐owned dogs with no history of ophthalmic complaints, a normal ophthalmic examination performed by an ABVO resident (BDR) and a Schirmer Tear Test‐1 > 15 mm/min. Statistical analysis was performed of the results obtained. Results The treated group was significantly more affected with meibomian gland dropout (MG‐dropout) in 11/17 (64.7%) cases, compared to the reference population of 2/21 (9.5%) (p < .01). The treated group had an odds ratio of 23.8 to develop MG‐dropout compared to the reference population (p < .01). Tear film breakup time (TFBUT) was significantly shorter in the treatment group (5.8 ± 2.6 s) compared to the reference population (10.1 ± 1.1 s) (p < .001). In the treatment group, 12/17 (70.5%) of treated eyes had a TFBUT < 5 s compared to 2/21 (9.5%) of the reference population. Conclusion Cryoepilation for distichaiasis appears to be a risk factor for developing MG‐dropout and qualitative tear film disorders post‐operatively in canines.

Objective: To describe a technique to repair feline eyelid agenesis using a hyaluronic acid (HA) subdermal filler injection to allow for acute soft tissue expansion, followed by a free labial mucocutaneous graft. Materials and methods:Thirty-nine colobomatous eyelids in 24 feline patients with secondary keratitis were recruited to the study group.Results: Keratitis and trichiasis were markedly resolved in 27/39 (69.2%) eyelids after a single procedure. Post-operative HA subdermal filler injections were required to resolve 5/39 (12.8%) eyelids that had mild post-operative trichiasis, and 1/39 (2.5%) eyelids that had post-operative lateral canthal collapse. Complications occurred in 6/39 (15.4%) cases, consisting of distal graft necrosis (n = 2 eyes), suture rubbing the cornea (n = 2 eyes), moderate trichiasis (n = 1 eye) and graft adherence to the episclera (n = 1 eye). Conclusion:The technique was successful in enhancing corneal protection, cosmesis and eyelid function and should be considered as a surgical option for any degree of eyelid agenesis in feline patients.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of the addition of dexmedetomidine (BLD) to retrobulbar blockade with combined lignocaine and bupivacaine on nociception.AnimalsA total of 17 eyes from 15 dogs.MethodsProspective, randomized, masked clinical comparison study. Dogs undergoing unilateral enucleation were randomly assigned into two groups; a retrobulbar administration of lignocaine and bupivacaine in a 1:2 volume ratio combined with either BLD or 0.9% saline (BLS). The total volume of the intraconal injection was calculated at 0.1 mL/cm cranial length. Intraoperative parameters were recorded: heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), end‐tidal CO2 (EtCO2) arterial blood pressure (BP), and inspired isoflurane concentration (ISOinsp). Pain scores, heart rate and RR were recorded postoperatively.ResultsDogs receiving BLD (n = 8) had significantly lower intraoperative RR (p = 0.007), and significantly lower ISOinsp (p = 0.037) than dogs in the BLS group (n = 9). Postoperatively heart rate was significantly lower in the BLD group at 1 min (p = 0.025) and 1 h (p = 0.022). There were no other significant differences in intraoperative or postoperative parameters, or in postoperative pain scores (p = 0.354). Dogs receiving BLD had a higher rate of anesthetic events of bradycardia and hypertension (p = 0.027). Analgesic rescue was not needed in either group.ConclusionsThe addition of BLD to retrobulbar anesthesia did not result in a detectable difference in pain scores relative to blockade with lignocaine and bupivacaine alone. Dogs receiving retrobulbar BLD had a significantly lower intraoperative RR and isoflurane requirement and an increased incidence of intraoperative bradycardia and hypertension.

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