Page 6 - Paws & Hooves - Spring 2020

Keeping an eye on complex, life-saving ophthalmology cases at the RVC hospitals
T he RVC Ophthalmology team treats dogs, cats and other small animals in the Small Animal Referrals Hospital as well as horses that visit the Equine
Referral Hospital. The team are always busy, and cases continue to become more complex and more life changing.
Treating a wide range of eye conditions such as cataracts (pictured top-right), glaucoma, corneal reconstruction and eyelid corrective surgery on a range of animals involves the vital combination of highly skilled staff and highly specialist equipment.
The ACT have recently funded a new therapy within the Ophthalmology team which will transform the treatment of corneal ulcers. Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL) can help dogs, cats and equine patients who are suffering with corneal conditions. The therapy helps corneal tissues to form stronger fibres and has the ability to kill bacteria and fungi, decreasing the need to use antibiotics. Early treatment using this therapy can also halt the progression of corneal deterioration meaning surgical treatment may not be necessary and improving the prognosis for the pet’s eyesight.
CXL treatments are inexpensive, easy to perform, safe for the patient and can be combined with other surgical or medical
therapies. The therapy also provides great potential for future research projects, enhancing not just patient care, but the advancement of knowledge on these conditions.
Elvis (pictured top-left), a nine-year-old Irish Draught gelding, visited the Equine Hospital for investigations due to a growth on his lower eyelid, which was found to be a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A full ophthalmic and physical examination was performed and it was decided that the best course of action was to remove the tumour using rhomboid blepharoplasty to reconstruct the eyelids. This technique would allow small margins to be taken on all sides of the tumour so that it could be removed while preserving Elvis’s vision and eyelid function. Surgery was planned for the next day.
In surgery, the mass was removed with cuts through the eyelid, so that a square of tissue around the mass was removed. The wound was treated with liquid nitrogen cryotherapy to reduce the risk of any cancerous cells remaining within the eyelid. The eyelid skin of horses is much less flexible than in other species, so extensive work was needed to create and place the skin graft. Elvis recovered well from the anaesthetic and remained at the Equine Referral Hospital for five days after the surgery.
The RVC offers a range of equine ophthalmology services, including medical and surgical management of complex corneal disease; management of uveitis (including cyclosporin implants); pre-purchase examination referrals for diagnosis, prognosis and significance; iris cyst ablation and management of periocular and ocular neoplasia (as highlighted by Elvis’ case).
4
Paws & Hooves Spring 2020
Above: Bilateral mature cataracts in adult spaniel