Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Tear film problems in dogs after cryoepilation for distichiasis
By Reynolds, Benjamin D et al.·Published in Veterinary ophthalmology·2023·Eye Clinic for Animals, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: An investigation into the development of qualitative tear film disorders in dogs following cryoepilation for distichiasis.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of nine dogs that had surgery to remove extra eyelashes (distichiasis) were found to have significant eye problems afterward, particularly with their tear production. Many of these dogs showed a condition called meibomian gland dropout, which affects tear quality, and their tear film broke up much faster than in a group of healthy dogs. This suggests that the surgery may increase the risk of developing eye issues related to tear production. If your dog has had this surgery and is showing signs of eye discomfort, it's important to discuss these findings with your veterinarian.
People also search for: dog eye problems after surgery · distichiasis surgery effects · tear film disorders in dogs
Abstract
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.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36478114/