Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Freezing treatment for dog eye lashes causing irritation in 125 dogs
By Verloop, Alexander & Read, Tony·Published in Veterinary ophthalmology·2025·Veterinary Ophthalmic Referrals, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Canine distichiasis cryoepilation using a liquid nitrogen-cooled, closed probe transconjunctival triple-freeze technique: Outcomes in 125 dogs (234 eyes).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 1.9-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier was treated for distichiasis, a condition where extra eyelashes grow in the wrong place, causing eye irritation. The dog underwent a cryotherapy procedure that involved freezing the problematic eyelashes, which successfully eliminated the extra hairs in 83% of cases. While some dogs experienced mild swelling and temporary color changes in the eyelid after surgery, these issues resolved on their own. Overall, the treatment was effective, with many dogs showing significant improvement in their symptoms.
People also search for: dog eye problems distichiasis · Staffordshire bull terrier eyelid treatment · cryotherapy for dog eye irritation
Abstract
PURPOSE: To describe a simple cryosurgical technique for treating canine distichiasis, its success rate and any associated complications. METHODS: Clinical records from canine patients undergoing treatment for distichiasis using a specific cryotherapy technique were retrospectively reviewed. The technique employed a triple freeze-thaw cycle via a transconjunctivally applied, liquid nitrogen-cooled, 2-mm diameter closed cryoprobe. RESULTS: The cryotherapy technique was employed in 125 dogs with distichiasis over a period of 13 years, with 109 (87%) bilaterally and 16 (13%) unilaterally affected, totaling 234 eyes. The mean age at diagnosis was 1.9 years (4 months to 7.5 years), with Staffordshire bull terriers the most common breed (31%). Treatment was deemed successful if clinical signs related to distichiasis resolved, including blepharospasm, conjunctival hyperemia and excess lacrimation. A single triple-freeze cryotherapy treatment eliminated distichiae in 195/234 (83%) eyes at a mean follow-up of 4 months (2 weeks to 10 years). Minor recurrence of distichiae in previously treated regions was observed in 39/234 (17%) eyes. Repeat cryotherapy was required in 25/234 (11%) eyes, with the remaining eyes asymptomatic. The two most common postoperative complications were mild to moderate eyelid swelling in all eyes immediately following surgery and eyelid margin depigmentation in 59/234 eyes (25%) between two and 4 weeks postoperatively, both of which were temporary. CONCLUSION: This cryotherapy technique for treating canine distichiasis is relatively simple and safe to perform, has a high success rate and a low recorded complication rate, but would benefit from further assessment of any potential detrimental effects on qualitative tear film components.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38071437/