Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Great Swiss Mountain Dog with large eye mimicking small eye defect
By Schippers, Paula Andrea et al.·Published in Tierarztliche Praxis. Ausgabe K, Kleintiere/Heimtiere·2023·Abteilung fü, Germany·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: [Macrophthalmos mimics microphthalmos in an 8-month-old Great Swiss Mountain Dog].
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
An 8-month-old Great Swiss Mountain Dog was brought in with a suspected small eye (microphthalmos) that had been malformed and blind since birth. However, imaging revealed that the eye was actually larger than normal (macrophthalmos) and had several issues, including cysts and inflammation. The dog also had some cataract formation and retinal problems. The veterinarians recommended that any similar cases undergo thorough imaging before considering surgery, as the larger eye could complicate the procedure. This case highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis in eye problems for dogs.
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Abstract
An 8-month-old Great Swiss Mountain dog was presented with a suspected right-sided microphthalmos, malformed and blind globe which was present since birth. On magnetic resonance imaging an ellipsoid macrophthalmos with absence of the normal retrobulbar tissue was detected. Histology revealed a dysplastic uvea with unilateral cyst formation associated with mild lymphohistiocytic inflammation. The ciliary body covered the posterior side of the lens unilaterally and showed focal metaplastic bone formation. Slight cataract formation as well as diffuse panretinal atrophy and intravitreal retinal detachment was evident. Preoperative diagnostic imaging procedure is recommended in eyes that clinically demonstrate as microphthalmos and are planned to be enucleated. As described in this case report the bulbus may be macrophthalmic which potentially complicates the enucleation. The performance of such a procedure at a site with ophthalmologic and soft tissue expertise is advisable. To the authors' knowledge this is the first report of a macrophthalmos with multiple ocular defects in a dog.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37230118/