Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Feline eyelid agenesis fixed with hyaluronic acid and lip graft
By Caruso, Kelly A et al.·Published in Veterinary ophthalmology·2022·Eye Clinic for Animals, Australia·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Use of subdermal hyaluronic acid injections and a free labial mucocutaneous graft for the repair of feline eyelid agenesis.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of cats with missing eyelids was treated using a special technique that involved injecting a gel-like substance (hyaluronic acid) to help expand the tissue, followed by a graft from their lip to create a new eyelid. After the procedure, most cats showed significant improvement in their eye health, with many no longer experiencing issues like keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) or trichiasis (eyelashes rubbing against the eye). Some cats needed additional treatments for minor complications, but overall, the surgery was successful in improving their eyelid function and protecting their eyes.
People also search for: cat eyelid surgery · feline keratitis treatment · why does my cat have missing eyelids
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe a technique to repair feline eyelid agenesis using a hyaluronic acid (HA) subdermal filler injection to allow for acute soft tissue expansion, followed by a free labial mucocutaneous graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine colobomatous eyelids in 24 feline patients with secondary keratitis were recruited to the study group. RESULTS: Keratitis and trichiasis were markedly resolved in 27/39 (69.2%) eyelids after a single procedure. Post-operative HA subdermal filler injections were required to resolve 5/39 (12.8%) eyelids that had mild post-operative trichiasis, and 1/39 (2.5%) eyelids that had post-operative lateral canthal collapse. Complications occurred in 6/39 (15.4%) cases, consisting of distal graft necrosis (n = 2 eyes), suture rubbing the cornea (n = 2 eyes), moderate trichiasis (n = 1 eye) and graft adherence to the episclera (n = 1 eye). CONCLUSION: The technique was successful in enhancing corneal protection, cosmesis and eyelid function and should be considered as a surgical option for any degree of eyelid agenesis in feline patients.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34902225/