Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Fluoroscopically guided neocanalization for treatment of nasolacrimal atresia in two horses.
- Journal:
- Veterinary ophthalmology
- Year:
- 2019
- Authors:
- Berkowski, William et al.
- Affiliation:
- University of Florida · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Two horses, a yearling Thoroughbred stallion and an 8-year-old Saddlebred mare, were having problems with persistent eye discharge that was thick and yellowish. A thorough examination showed that both horses had blocked tear ducts, confirmed by a special imaging test called a CT scan. They underwent a procedure while under anesthesia, where doctors used imaging to guide a catheter into the blocked duct and placed a temporary stent to help keep it open. After the treatment, both horses were comfortable and did not have any eye discharge when checked again nine months later. This method of treatment appears to be a good option for this type of blockage in tear ducts.
Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION: A yearling Thoroughbred stallion and an 8-year-old Saddlebred mare were evaluated for persistent mucoid ocular discharge. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Examination of both horses revealed copious yellow-tan mucoid ocular discharge with a negative Jones I test, absent nasal punctum, and unsuccessful anterograde nasolacrimal duct (NLD) irrigation. Clinical abnormalities were present on the right side only in one horse and bilaterally in the other. Computed tomography (CT) with contrast confirmed nasolacrimal duct atresia in both horses. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Under general anesthesia, the affected NLD was catheterized anterograde and contrast injected. Using fluoroscopic guidance, retrograde access to the distal NLD was obtained for through-and-through wire access. Over the wire, the stoma was dilated and a temporary stent placed for 4-8 weeks. After the procedure, both horses were comfortable and free of ocular discharge at the minimum time of last follow-up, 9 months postoperatively. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Fluoroscopically guided neocanalization is a viable alternative to traditional surgical approaches for NLD atresia, especially when access to the site of obstruction is limited.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30767380/