Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Eye injuries in dogs caused by sports balls and treatment outcomes
By Chan, Remington X. & Ledbetter, Eric C.·Published in Veterinary Ophthalmology·2022·Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Cornell University Ithaca New York USA, United States·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: Sports ball projectile ocular trauma in dogs
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
An 18-month-old Labrador was brought in after being hit in the eye by a tennis ball during play. The dog had swelling and bleeding in the eye, which are signs of a closed-globe injury. The veterinarian treated the injury with medication, and fortunately, the dog was able to keep its vision. However, injuries from smaller, denser balls like golf balls can lead to more serious problems and may require surgery.
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Abstract
AbstractObjectiveTo describe the clinical features, management, and outcome of dogs presenting with sports ball projectile ocular injuries.Animals StudiedEighteen dogs.ProceduresA retrospective study reviewing cases of ocular injury due to a sports ball projectile that presented to the Cornell University ophthalmology service between 2004 and 2021. Dog age, type of sports ball, initial ocular lesions, eye affected, clinical management, and visual outcome were recorded.ResultsSports ball projectile ocular injuries were identified in 18 eyes of 18 dogs. The median age of the dogs was 1.0 years old, ranging from 0.3‐ to 9‐years‐ old. Nine dogs were male, and 9 were female. Ocular injuries were caused by small, dense balls (e.g., golf balls, baseballs) in 11 dogs; small, light balls (e.g., tennis balls, toy balls) in 5 dogs; and large, soft balls (e.g., soccer ball, football) in 2 dogs. Closed‐globe injuries (12 of 18 eyes) presented with traumatic uveitis (91%), hyphema (45%), and subconjunctival hemorrhage (18%). All 12 closed‐globe injury cases were medically managed, eight dogs remained visual. Open‐globe injuries (6 of 18 dogs) presented with three corneal lacerations and three scleral ruptures. Five open‐globe injuries required enucleation, and one was medically managed and maintained vision.ConclusionSports ball projectile ocular injuries in dogs can result in substantial ocular morbidity and in loss of vision. Small, dense balls were associated with injuries that carried the most guarded prognosis and required more aggressive management. Small and large lighter projectiles were associated with less serious ocular injuries and visual outcomes.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.1111/vop.12987