Should I place a subpalpebral lavage system in the upper or lower eyelid?

Subpalpebral lavage placement for remote topical administration of ocular medications in 12 dogs: A retrospective review and assessment of owner perception

“…Comparison between studies reporting the complications with SPL placement in a population of horses with SPLs 12,15 indicates both sites are associated with an acceptable rate and severity of complications 13 . However, a prospective, randomized trial comparing complication rates in upper and lower SPLs is required to draw any firm conclusions.…”

“…This retrospective study is the first review of subpalpebral lavage use in dogs for remote administration of topical eye medication. The use of a subpalpebral lavage has been widely reported in horses [12][13][14][15] and is considered a safe and efficient method of remote eyedrop delivery for both vets and owners. SPL placement in dogs for management of corneal ulceration is described in a single report 18 and a case series of four patients.…”

“…16 Comparison between studies reporting the complications with SPL placement in a population of horses with SPLs 12,15 indicates both sites are associated with an acceptable rate and severity of complications. 13 However, a prospective, randomized trial comparing complication rates in upper and lower SPLs is required to draw any firm conclusions. In this study, placement of the SPL in the ventromedial lid was chosen over dorsal or ventrolateral sites as it was felt the third eyelid would protect the cornea from mechanical trauma from movement of the footplate.…”

“…Subpalpebral lavages are widely regarded as the most practical method of administering multiple ophthalmic medications to the equine eye in the short and medium term. [12][13][14][15] Medication can be safely and accurately administered to head-shy patients without the handler touching the patient's face or periocular area. They are routinely used in hospital and ambulatory settings.…”