Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Severe eye membrane disease in young Golden Retriever from birth
By McLean, Nancy S Johnstone et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2008·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Ligneous conjunctivitis secondary to a congenital plasminogen deficiency in a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 7-month-old female Golden Retriever was brought in for severe eye problems, including thick membranes in both eyes, along with oral lesions and coughing. Tests revealed she had a rare condition called congenital plasminogen deficiency, which was causing these symptoms. Initial treatments with medications and plasma did not help, but after surgically removing the membranes and giving her intravenous fresh frozen plasma, her condition improved significantly, including weight gain and better respiratory health. Unfortunately, the dog eventually had to be euthanized due to the progression of her disease, but the treatment did show some positive effects while it was administered.
People also search for: dog eye problems · Golden Retriever conjunctivitis treatment · plasminogen deficiency in dogs
Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION: A 7-month-old 16.6-kg (36.5-lb) sexually intact female Golden Retriever was evaluated because of progressive severe bilateral membranous conjunctivitis, oral lesions, nasal discharge, and cough. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Histologic examination of conjunctival biopsy specimens revealed findings consistent with ligneous conjunctivitis. Circulating plasminogen activity was repeatedly low, and congenital plasminogen deficiency was identified as the underlying cause of the ocular, oral, and respiratory lesions. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Topical and subconjunctival administrations of fresh frozen plasma (FFP), topical administration of cyclosporine, and oral administration of azathioprine had no effect on the conjunctival membranes. Excision of the membranes followed by intensive treatment with topical applications of heparin, tissue plasminogen activator, corticosteroid, and FFP and IV administration of FFP prevented membrane regrowth. Intravenous administration of FFP increased plasma plasminogen activity to within reference limits, improved respiratory and oral lesions, and resulted in weight gain; discontinuation of this treatment resulted in weight loss, signs of depression, and worsening of lesions. After euthanasia because of disease progression, necropsy findings included mild hydrocephalus; multifocal intestinal hemorrhages; and fibrinous plaques in the oral cavity, nasopharynx, trachea, esophagus, and pericardium. Microscopically, the plaques were composed of fibrin and poorly organized granulation tissue. Fibrin thrombi were present within vessels in the lungs, oral cavity, and trachea. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In dogs, congenital plasminogen deficiency can occur and may be the underlying cause of ligneous conjunctivitis. A combination of surgical and medical treatments may improve conjunctival membranes, and administration of FFP IV appears to be effective in treating nonocular signs of plasminogen deficiency.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18312178/