Veterinary ophthalmology最新文献

Objective: This study compares the performance of the KOWA SL-19 Plus portable slit lamp, equipped with an integrated digital camera, and a smartphone-based imaging system adapted to fit on the slit lamp eyepiece for veterinary ophthalmic imaging. Both devices were tested for their efficiency, image quality, and diagnostic utility in clinical settings.

Animals studied: A total of 20 eyes from 13 animals (7 dogs and 6 cats), presenting various ophthalmic conditions, were examined using both devices.

Procedure(s): During the ophthalmic examination, videos were captured using both the KOWA SL-19 Plus and the smartphone-based system, then the best picture was extracted. Extraction time was measured. Thirty-nine board-certified ophthalmologists evaluated the images together, focusing on image quality and diagnostic value.

Results: The KOWA SL-19 Plus outperformed the smartphone-based system in all categories. The mean extraction time for the KOWA SL-19 Plus was significantly faster (65.47 s) than for the smartphone system (115.50 s, p < 0.000001). Image quality was higher for the KOWA SL-19 Plus (3.80 vs. 2.98 over 5, p < 0.000001), and 85.7% of the images were deemed sufficient for diagnostic purposes, compared to 67.9% for the smartphone-based system (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions: The KOWA SL-19 Plus is a valuable tool for veterinary ophthalmic imaging, offering superior image quality and faster processing times compared to the smartphone-based system. It presents a promising step forward for both clinical diagnostics and educational purposes.

The current shortage of veterinary specialist faculty is compounded by ongoing demographic trends in the pet-owning community that are redefining the concept of high-quality pet healthcare on a cultural basis. To achieve effective teaching and learning in the context of this evolving standard of culturally appropriate veterinary care will require a paradigm shift in veterinary medical education. Accomplishing this shift will be more likely with enhanced representation among veterinary specialists so that the demographics of the specialist community more closely reflect the emerging demographics of the pet-owning community. In going forward, expanding the capacity of specialty training programs will be critical, as will enhancing the diversity of the veterinary specialty communities. Opportunities for positive impact exist at many points along the long and complex pathway to careers as a veterinary specialist, but active engagement of current specialists will be crucial to success.

Objective: We hypothesized that canine corneal epithelial cells maintain their proliferative properties through autocrine secretion of growth-promoting factors. This study aimed to investigate the maintenance mechanism of the proliferative properties of canine corneal epithelial cells by comparing the autocrine secretion of soluble factors in canine and rabbit corneal epithelial cells.

Procedures: The effect of conditioned medium from primary canine corneal epithelial cells and canine corneal epithelial cell line (cCEpi) on the growth of rabbit corneal epithelial cells was evaluated, and vice versa. cDNA microarray and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses were performed, and the gene expression of soluble factors in canine and rabbit corneal epithelial cells was compared.

Results: Conditioned media of cCEpi cells significantly increased rabbit cell growth, but that of rabbit corneal epithelial cells significantly inhibited the growth of canine corneal epithelial cells and cCEpi cells. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor ligands, including neuregulin 1 (NRG1) and heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF), were highly expressed in canine corneal epithelial cells and cCEpi. In contrast, high expression of soluble factors related to transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling, including connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and TGF-β2, was observed in rabbit corneal epithelial cells.

Conclusions: Canine corneal epithelial cells secrete growth-promoting factors such as NRG1 and HB-EGF in an autocrine manner and have a low potential to secrete growth inhibitory factors such as CTGF and TGF-β2. These mechanisms would play important roles in the maintenance of the proliferative properties of canine corneal epithelial cells.

Objective: To determine the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) and effective contact time of four topical antiseptics-polyhexanide, povidone-iodine (PVP-I), hypochlorous acid (HOCl), and N-acetylcysteine (NAC)-against Pantoea agglomerans, a pathogen frequently isolated in equine ulcerative keratitis.

Animals studied: Over a 17-month sampling period, clinical isolates were collected from horses with ulcerative keratitis. The most frequently isolated strain (Pantoea agglomerans, n = 14) was selected for in vitro analysis.

Procedure(s): All isolates were used to determine the MBCs of the four antiseptics. Each was tested in triplicate at serial dilutions per isolate. Additionally, the requisite contact time for a bactericidal effect was evaluated at a supratherapeutic dilution for each substance with each isolate at defined time points ranging from 15 s to 5 min.

Results: The MBCs of polyhexanide, PVP-I, HOCL, and NAC were 3.2 ppm (0.00032%), 16 ppm (0.0016%), 0.8 ppm (0.00008%), and 3200 ppm (0.32%), respectively. Polyhexanide (6.4 ppm), PVP-I (64 ppm), and HOCL (6.4 ppm) were effective within 15 s. NAC (6400 ppm) required 1-2 min to achieve bactericidal effects.

Conclusions: All antiseptics tested demonstrated efficacy against P. agglomerans. Polyhexanide, PVP-I, and HOCl achieved rapid bactericidal activity, while NAC required higher concentrations and longer exposure. These results support the use of these agents-particularly the faster-acting three-as potential alternatives to antibiotics in treating equine ulcerative keratitis. They may aid the reduction of antibiotic use in line with the One Health approach.

Objective: Chromatic (colorimetric) pupillary light reflexes (cPLR) are reportedly useful in canine neuro-ophthalmology to differentiate sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) from optic pathway disease (neurological disorders) causing acute blindness. We report two canine cases with cPLR test results reported to be consistent with primary retinal disease that were subsequently diagnosed with optic pathway (CNS) disease.

Animals studied: A 7-year-old Dachshund and a 7-year-old Weimaraner were presented for acute blindness.

Procedures and results: Both dogs failed obstacle tests, showed absent menace responses, bilateral mydriasis, and absent PLRs with white light in both eyes. The cPLRs were tested using a BPI-50 Precision Illuminator (Retinographics Inc., USA). Both dogs exhibited no PLR with red light (660 nm), and brisk though incomplete pupillary constriction with blue light (465 nm) at 200 kcd/m². Electroretinograms (ERG) of both eyes were normal in both dogs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed a left-sided cystic extra-axial mass (suspected meningioma) in the rostral cranial fossa in the Dachshund and a lesion affecting the rostral bones of the skull base and optic nerves in the Weimaraner (confirmed lymphoma).

Conclusions: These are the first two reported canine cases with acute, bilateral amaurosis due to optic pathway disease with present blue light-cPLR.

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of freeze-dried amniotic membrane (FDAM) used in veterinary medicine (Vetrix EyeQ) for the surgical treatment of deep melting ulcers in dogs and cats.

Materials and methods: A total of 15 dogs and 5 cats treated for deep melting corneal ulcers were included in this retrospective study. Following keratectomy, a simple or multilayer FDAM was placed into the keratectomy bed and sutured with 9/0 polyglactin suture material. A temporary third eyelid flap was performed for each case. Follow-up examinations were performed on average 18, 45, and 90 days after surgery. Final evaluation included assessment of corneal healing, preserved vision, and residual corneal opacities.

Results: A total of 20 eyes were treated between 2019 and 2023. Nine dog and four cat breeds were represented. Mean healing time was 17 ± 2 days. At 18 days postsurgery, inflammatory reaction with superficial vascularization was present in all eyes (20/20). At 45 days, 45% (9/20) of eyes showed persistent corneal neovascularization, mild corneal fibrosis, and focal corneal pigmentation. At 90 days, persistent severe pigmentation was observed in 10% (2/20) of eyes. Corneal transparency was successfully restored, and vision was preserved in 90% of cases (18/20).

Conclusion: FDAM transplantation was effective in treating melting corneal ulcers in dogs and cats.

Objective: To compare visual outcomes of Boston Terriers following phacoemulsification and intraocular lens placement over a 5-year period.

Animals studied: Twenty-five Boston Terriers.

Procedures: Retrospective medical record review was conducted on Boston Terriers that underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens placement or intentional aphakia between January 2013 and December 2018. All surgeries were performed by the same board-certified ophthalmologist. Information collected included signalment, surgical parameters, postoperative complications, concurrent use of an endolaser and/or anterior vitrectomy, and duration of follow-up. A minimum of 6 months of ophthalmic evaluation after surgery was required for inclusion. Multivariate Firth logistic models were used to determine the association between predictor surgical variables and the primary outcome (visual/blind at last follow up).

Results: Fourteen of 14 of aphakic Boston Terrier eyes were still visual while only 12/26 (42.3%) of the pseudophakic eyes remained visual. Average follow-up time was 20.2 months. Commonly reported postoperative complications in the pseudophakic eyes included fibrin accumulation 15/26 (58%), glaucoma 12/26 (46%), and retinal detachment 2/26 (7%). At final evaluation, 7/12 (58%) of the eyes in which endolaser cycloablation was used were blind versus 8/28 (29%) of the eyes in which laser was not used.

Conclusions: Intraocular lens placement in Boston Terriers undergoing phacoemulsification resulted in an approximately 40x increase in odds of blindness as an outcome even after control for vitrectomy and use of endolaser.

Stigmatizing language, often rooted in unconscious bias, can reinforce power imbalances, perpetuate stereotypes, and compromise inclusivity. Inclusive language-defined as communication that respects diversity, acknowledges lived experiences and promotes equality-fosters a supportive and welcoming environment for all team members and clients. Its application extends to verbal interactions, written communication, policies, and educational materials. Strategies to implement inclusive language include adopting people-first phrasing, avoiding ableist expressions, respecting gender diversity, and embracing cultural humility. Organizations can further support inclusivity through training programs and leadership modeling. By prioritizing inclusive language, veterinary teams not only strengthen collaboration and equity but also enhance team dynamics, client satisfaction, and patient care. Recognizing the power of words and choosing them thoughtfully promotes a culture of belonging and respect, benefiting individuals and the organization as a whole.

Objective: Prospective observational study with preregistered study protocol to assess interexaminer agreement using the 2022 European College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists Hereditary Eye Disease (ECVO-HED) gonioscopy grading scheme.

Animals studied: Sixty client-owned dogs presented for gonioscopy as part of the required certification process prior to breeding.

Procedure: Two ECVO diplomates with comparable clinical experience performed gonioscopy with a Koeppe gonioscopy lens and slit-lamp biomicroscope at 10x magnification on all eyes in a randomized fashion.

Results: One hundred and eighteen of 120 eyes (60 dogs) were included. In 110/118 eyes (93%), both examiners provided the same breeding recommendation (yes/no). This translated into an agreement on the final breeding recommendation in 58/60 dogs (97%). Examiners disagreed on pectinate ligament abnormality (PLA) grading in 19/118 eyes and iridocorneal angle width (ICAW) grading in 9/118 eyes. PLA grading disagreement was mostly observed between neighboring grades. Disagreement between PLA and ICAW grading sometimes occurred within the same eye accounting for an observed disagreement in iridocorneal angle abnormality (ICAA) grading in 19/118 eyes in total. Cohen's kappa was Κ = 0.62 (95% TI 0.34-0.89), whereas maximum kappa was maxΚ = 0.82 (95% TI 0.59-1). Mixed model analysis suggested no significant examiner influence on breeding recommendations (OR 0.17; 95% CI 0.02-1.12, p = .09).

Conclusions: Although examiners disagreed on ICAA grading in 19/118 eyes, this resulted in a different breeding recommendation (yes/no) in eight eyes and in two dogs only. Therefore, the use of the 2022 ECVO-HED gonioscopy grading scheme seems to result in examiners providing the same breeding recommendations in most cases.

Objective: To assess the effects of a therapeutic dose of oral acetaminophen on Schirmer tear test I (STT-1) and intraocular pressure (IOP) in healthy dogs.

Animals studied: Fourteen healthy adult beagle dogs.

Procedures: All animals underwent a physical and ophthalmic examination, hematology, and plasma biochemistry prior to treatment. Oral acetaminophen at 30 mg/kg every 12 h for 5 days was administered. STT-1 and IOP were measured in both eyes before drug administration. Ocular adverse effects were assessed using a semiquantitative preclinical ocular toxicology scoring system. All measurements were performed by the same investigator under controlled environmental conditions. At the end time point, follow-up physical and ophthalmic examinations and blood workup were conducted.

Results: STT-1 remained stable throughout the study, with no significant differences between time points (p = 0.665) or overall trend over time (p = 0.356). IOP showed no consistent temporal trend (p = 0.602), although significant differences were observed between specific time points (p = 0.003). IOP at 24 h was higher than at 12 h (p = 0.031) and 60 h (p = 0.009), and at 0 h compared to 60 h (p = 0.043); however, these differences were transient and clinically irrelevant (1-2 mmHg). Mild conjunctival hyperaemia and fluorescein staining uptake were observed in 3/28 eyes, although these were mild and resolved spontaneously without treatment. No systemic adverse effects were detected.

Conclusions: Oral therapeutic doses of acetaminophen for 5 days did not affect STT-1 or IOP in healthy dogs. Further studies should evaluate its effects in dogs with systemic diseases, pre-existing ocular conditions, or as long-term or multi-drug regimen treatment.