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Biomedical subjects

Kirk N Gelatt

Publications and source records attributed to Kirk N Gelatt.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Evaluation of clinical characteristics and bacterial isolates in dogs with bacterial keratitis: 97 cases (1993-2003).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical characteristics and breeds affected with bacterial keratitis and compare patterns of resistance in bacterial isolates over time in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: 97 dogs with bacterial keratitis. PROCEDURE: Dogs with bacterial keratitis were identified from teaching hospital medical records at the Universities of Tennessee and Florida during the years 1993 to 2003. Data were collected pertaining to breed, Schirmer tear test results, treatments administered at the time of initial examination, bacterial species isolated, and resistance to selected antimicrobials. RESULTS: 66% of the dogs were brachycephalic, 54% had tear production < 15 mm/min, and 29% were receiving a corticosteroid at the time of initial examination. The most common bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus intermedius (29%), beta-hemolytic Streptococcus spp (17%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (21%). Staphylococcus intermedius isolates had limited resistance to certain antimicrobials. More than 80% of beta-hemolytic Streptococcus spp isolates were resistant to neomycin, polymyxin B, and tobramycin. Isolates of P aeruginosa were susceptible to tobramycin and gentamicin and had limited resistance to ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin. Among bacterial species isolated, there was no evidence of development of antimicrobial resistance over time. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Data suggested that administration of ciprofloxacin or a combination of a first-generation cephalosporin and tobramycin may be used in the treatment of bacterial keratitis while awaiting results of bacterial culture and susceptibility testing. Evidence suggests that current methods of medical management of bacterial keratitis are not associated with increased antimicrobial resistance.

Animals↗

Effect of different dose schedules of 0.15% unoprostone isopropyl on intraocular pressure and pupil size in the glaucomatous beagle.

The changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) and pupil size (PS) after instillations of 0.15% unoprostone isopropyl (Rescula, Novartis Ophthalmics, Duluth, GA) were investigated in the spontaneous glaucoma Beagle model. From the first-day baseline IOP of 27.3+/-3.2 mmHg placebo eye and 32.8+/-5.1 mmHg control eye, the mean+/-standard error of the mean (SEM) diurnal changes after 0.15% unoprostone, at 8 AM once-daily for the next 4 days, were 15.5+/-1.3 mmHg, 14.7+/-1.9 mmHg, 16.1+/-1.1 mmHg, and 17.0+/-1.5 mmHg, respectively, and were significantly different from the control eye. After 0.15% unoprostone was instilled at 8 PM, the mean+/-SEM baseline changes from the baseline IOP (insert drug eye 9 AM) in the drug eyes were 5.9+/-2.5 mmHg, 5.2+/-4.1 mmHg, 9.7+/-2.5 mmHg, and 3.6+/-3.6 mmHg, respectively. When 0.15% unoprostone was instilled twice-daily, the mean+/-SEM baseline IOP (insert drug eye 9 AM) changes were 13.6+/-0.7 mmHg, 13.9+/-1.4 mmHg, 11.3+/-1.0 mmHg, and 9.3+/-1.4 mmHg, respectively, and were significantly different from the control eyes. Miosis occurred within 2 hours and lasted several hours. Unoprostone isopropyl instilled once-daily (AM or PM), as well as twice-daily, produces significant decreases in IOP and PS in the glaucomatous Beagle.

Animals↗

Cataracts in the Bichon Frise.

PURPOSE: To determine the clinical characteristics of possible inherited cataract in the Bichon Frise breed. These characteristics include the relative frequency, gender effects, site of first cataract formation, age of onset, relationship of age to cataract maturity, and other concurrent pre- and postoperative ophthalmic diseases. METHODS: Four different populations of Bichon Frise were examined. They included: (1) referred patients of the University of Florida (VMTH; 1990-2000); (2) patients from other universities and large institutions (VMDB; 1970-2000); (3) patients from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF; 1970-2000); and (4) special patients recruited from eye clinics and ACVO specialty practices (1995-2001). Blood samples were obtained from many patients for future DNA analyzes. Statistical comparisons between groups were by general linear and anova analyzes, and P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The four populations of cataractous and total Bichon Frise dogs included: (1) UF-VMTH: 57 cataractous dogs; (2) VMDB: 406 dogs (28%) with cataracts; total dogs--1407; (3) CERF: 505 cataractous dogs (6%); total dogs--8222; and (4) ACVO: 223 cataractous dogs (57%); total dogs--391. In each population group, gender did not affect cataract distribution. Dogs between 2 and 8 years of age were most frequently affected, and initial cataract involvement affected equally the anterior and posterior cortices. Immature cataracts occurred more often in younger dogs, and hypermature cataracts were more frequently diagnosed in older dogs. Dogs with early cataracts were encountered more frequently in the CERF population. Pre- and postoperative retinal detachments (RD) were not infrequently diagnosed in the UF-VMTH and VMDB groups. RD in the UF-VMTH and VMDB groups occurred in 33% and 13% of the patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Cataracts were first encountered in CERF and VMDB data between 1975 and 1979 and have increased since this time. As expected, both similarities and differences between the four different populations of Bichon Frise were encountered. Both sexes of dogs are equally affected. The anterior and posterior cortical areas of the lens were first involved and dogs 2-8 years of age are most frequently affected. Cataracts affected younger dogs in the CERF group and older cataractous dogs in the other populations. Cataract formation appears to be inherited in the Bichon Frise dog. The frequency of pre- and postoperative retinal detachments present higher risks for cataract surgery in this breed.

Age Distribution↗

Long-term effect of retinal ganglion cell axotomy on the histomorphometry of other cells in the porcine retina.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of retinal ganglion cell axotomy on the thickness of inner plexiform, inner nuclear, and outer plexiform layers, as well as the densities of short- and middle-to-long-wavelength cones, in the porcine retina. METHODS: Unilateral retinal ganglion cell axotomy was performed in seven domestic pigs by either surgical optic nerve section or peripapillary argon laser photocoagulation. Damage to the retinal vasculature was ruled out with fluorescein angiography. Histologic examination of the retinal tissue was performed nine months later. Cone densities were determined immunohistochemically with the anti-visual pigment antibodies COS-1 and OS-2. Image analysis of semithin retinal cross sections was used to measure the thickness of the retinal layers. The effect of axotomy was quantified by optic nerve axon counts and estimations of retinal ganglion cell counts. The data were compared between the eyes with axotomy and the contralateral normal eye using the nonparametric Wilcoxon rank sum test. RESULTS: Treatment of the peripapillary retina with the argon laser resulted in a median decrease in axon counts and retinal ganglion cell density estimates of 31%. No optic nerve axons and cells resembling retinal ganglion cells were found in the eyes with transected optic nerves. There was no significant difference in either the thickness of any retinal layers or cone densities between axotomized and normal control eyes. CONCLUSION: No signs of retrograde transsynaptic degeneration were observed in porcine retinas nine months after retinal ganglion cell axotomy.

Animals↗

Evaluation of various compounds to inhibit activity of matrix metalloproteinases in the tear film of horses with ulcerative keratitis.

OBJECTIVE: To examine in vitro effects of various antiproteolytic compounds on activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 in the tear film of horses with active corneal ulcers. SAMPLE POPULATION: Samples of tear film obtained from the eyes of 34 horses with active ulcerative keratitis. PROCEDURE: Horses were sedated, and tear samples were collected from the lower fornix of 34 ulcerated eyes by use of capillary tubes. The protease inhibitors 0.2% EDTA, 0.1% doxycycline, 10% N-acetylcysteine (NAC), 0.1% solution of a modified dipeptide that contains hydroxamic acid (ie, ilomostat), 0.1% alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (PI), 0.5% alpha1-PI, and 100% fresh equine serum (ES) were used to treat pooled samples. Amount of latent and active MMP-2 and -9 was measured by optical density scanning of gelatin zymograms of treated and untreated tear samples. RESULTS: Pooled tear samples obtained from ulcerated eyes contained the latent and active forms of MMP-2 and -9. Compared with MMP activity in untreated samples, total MMP activity (sum of all bands detected) observed on the gelatin zymogram gels was reduced by 99.4% by EDTA, 96.3% by doxycycline, 98.8% by NAC, 98.9% by ilomostat, 52.4% by 0.1% alpha1-PI, 93.6% by 0.5% alpha1-PI, and 90.0% by ES. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We documented that EDTA, doxycycline, NAC, ilomostat, alpha1PI, and ES inhibited MMP activity in vitro. Because these compounds use different mechanisms to inhibit various families of proteases in the tear film of horses, a combination of these protease inhibitors may be beneficial for treatment of corneal ulcers in horses.

Acetylcysteine↗

Effect of single and multiple doses of 0.2% brimonidine tartrate in the glaucomatous Beagle.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucomatous dogs after instillations of 0.2% brimonidine once, twice and three times daily in single day studies, and after twice and three times daily for 4 days in multiple dose studies. We studied eight Beagles with inherited primary open angle glaucoma. Applanation tonometry (IOP), pupil size (PS) and heart rate (HR) measurements were obtained at 8 am, 10 am, 1 pm, 3 pm and 5 pm. The studies were divided into: eight glaucoma dogs and five of the eight dogs that demonstrated greater response to 0.2% brimonidine. Single-dose drug studies are divided into placebo (0.5% methylcellulose), 0.2% brimonidine administered once daily (8 am); twice daily (8 am and noon); and three times daily (8 am, noon and 5 pm). The 5-day multiple-dose studies included: day 1, no drug; and 4 days, 0.2% brimonidine instillations either twice daily (8 am and 2 pm) or three times daily (8 am, 2 pm and 9 pm). Statistical comparisons between drug groups included control (nondrug) and treated (placebo/0.2% brimonidine) eyes for both single- and multiple-dose studies. The mean +/- SEM diurnal decrease in IOP in the eight glaucomatous Beagles for the control and placebo eyes were 3.4 +/- 4.7 and 5.4 +/- 2.8 mmHg, respectively. The mean +/- SEM diurnal decrease in IOP after 0.2% brimonidine once, twice and three times daily was 6.4 +/- 3.5, 8.0 +/- 6.1 and 9.8 +/- 8.1 mmHg, respectively; this trend was not significant statistically. Significant miosis occurred starting 2 h postinstillations, and the resultant mean +/- SD pupil size was 2.7 +/- 0.3 mm. A significant decrease in heart rate also occurred (12%). In the five most responsive dogs the changes in PS and HR during these studies were similar to the larger group, but significant decreases in IOP occurred at most measurement times. In the multiple-dose study with 0.2% brimonidine twice daily the mean +/- SEM decrease in IOP for day 1 to day 4 was 5.0 +/- 1.3, 5.7 +/- 1.3, 1.4 +/- 3.3 and 4.9 +/- 1.3 mmHg, respectively. When 0.2% brimonidine was instilled three times daily the mean +/- SEM diurnal IOP decrease was from day 1 to day 4 and was 0.75 +/- 1.3, 2.4 +/- 1.5, 1.2 +/- 2.7 and 1.4 +/- 1.8 mmHg, respectively. The mean change in pupil diameter was 1.3 +/- 0.5 mm. Decrease in HR averaged 22%. In the same single-dose studies with the five most responsive dogs, PS and HR were similar, but the decreases in IOP were significant at more measurement intervals. We conclude that 0.2% brimonidine produces a decrease in IOP in dogs, a statistically significant miosis, and a reduced heart rate (12-22%). However, because of the limited drug-induced ocular hypotension, brimonidine should be combined with other drugs when used for the glaucomas in the dog.

Animals↗

Effect of different dose schedules of bimatoprost on intraocular pressure and pupil size in the glaucomatous Beagle.

The changes in intraocular pressure and pupil size in glaucomatous dogs were evaluated after instillations of 0.03% bimatoprost (Lumigan, Allergan, Irvine, CA USA) once in the morning, or once in the evening, or twice daily in five day multiple dose studies. Applanation tonometry (IOP) and pupil size (PS) measurements were obtained at 8 am, 10 am, 12 noon, 2 pm, and 4 pm in 8 glaucoma dogs. Methylcellulose (0.5% as placebo) was instilled in the control eye, and 0.03% bimatoprost was instilled in the opposite drug eye. Methylcellulose (0.5%) and 0.03% bimatoprost were instilled the second through the fifth days with instillations in the morning (8:30 am), or evening (8 pm), or twice daily (8:30 am and 8 pm). The mean +/- SEM diurnal changes in IOP from baseline values after 0.03% bimatoprost at 8 am once daily for the next four days were 25.0 +/- 3.2 mm Hg, 25.6 +/- 2.9 mm Hg, 25.5 +/- 3.0 mm Hg, and 26.0 +/- 3.2 mm Hg respectively, and were significantly different from the control eye. After bimatoprost was instilled at 8 pm, the mean +/- SEM changes in IOP from baseline values in the drug eyes were 27.3 +/- 2.4 mm Hg, 26.6 +/- 2.2 mm Hg, 27.2 +/- 2.5 mm Hg, and 27.3 +/- 2.6 mm Hg respectively. When 0.03% bimatoprost was instilled twice daily, the mean +/- SEM changes in IOP from baseline values were 39.1 +/- 2.3 mm Hg, 39.9 +/- 2.2 mm Hg, 39.9 +/- 2.3 mm Hg, and 39.6 +/- 2.1 mm Hg respectively, and were significantly different from the control eyes. Miosis of varying duration was frequent during the three studies. Bimatoprost instilled once daily (am or pm) as well as twice daily produces significant decreases in IOP and PS in the glaucomatous Beagle.

Amides↗

Effect of different dose schedules of travoprost on intraocular pressure and pupil size in the glaucomatous Beagle.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in intraocular pressure and pupil size in glaucomatous dogs after instillation of 0.004% travoprost once in the morning, or once in the evening, or twice daily in 5-day multiple dose studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Applanation tonometry (IOP) and pupil size (PS) measurements were obtained at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. in eight glaucoma dogs. Methylcellulose (0.5% as placebo) was instilled in the control eye, and 0.004% travoprost was instilled in the opposite drug eye. Methylcellulose (0.5%) and 0.004% travoprost were instilled on the 2nd through to the 5th day with instillations in the morning (8.30 a.m.), or evening (8 p.m.), or twice daily (8.30 a.m. and 8 p.m.). RESULTS: The mean +/- SEM diurnal changes from baseline IOP in the control and placebo eyes in all three studies ranged from 1.2 +/- 0.3 mmHg to 3.2 +/- 0.9 mmHg. The mean +/- SEM diurnal changes from the baseline IOP after 0.004% travoprost at 8 a.m. once daily for the next 4 days were 19.0 +/- 2.7 mmHg, 24.7 +/- 2.7 mmHg, 24.9 +/- 3.1 mmHg, and 24.7 +/- 3.1 mmHg, respectively, and were significantly different from the control eye. After travoprost was instilled at 8 p.m., the mean +/- SEM baseline changes from the baseline IOP in the drug eyes were 23.5 +/- 2.2 mmHg, 24.2 +/- 2.2 mmHg, 24.5 +/- 2.3 mmHg, and 24.2 +/- 2.3 mmHg, respectively. When 0.004% travoprost was instilled twice daily, the mean +/- SEM baseline IOP changes were 27.7 +/- 2.1 mmHg, 28.1 +/- 2.1 mmHg, 28.4 +/- 2.2 mmHg, and 28.5 +/- 2.2 mmHg, respectively, and were significantly different from the control eyes. Miosis of varying duration was frequent during the three studies. CONCLUSION: Travoprost instilled once daily (a.m. or p.m.) as well as twice daily produces significant decreases in IOP and PS in the glaucomatous Beagle.

Administration, Topical↗

Prevalence of the breed-related glaucomas in pure-bred dogs in North America.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of the breed-related glaucomas in pure-bred dogs presented to the veterinary medical teaching hospitals in North America that participate in the Veterinary Medical Data Base (VMDB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, age of first diagnosis, breed, and gender data for all breeds of dogs were collected from the VMDB with the clinical diagnosis of primary glaucoma (glaucoma-NOS) at 5-10 year intervals from 1964 to 2002. The prevalence for each breed (affected dogs compared to all dogs of each breed), any changes over the 38 years, and any gender differences for these glaucomas were determined. RESULTS: The prevalence of the primary breed-related glaucomas has gradually increased from 0.29% (1964-1973); 0.46% (1974-1983); 0.76% (1984-1993); to 0.89% (1994-2002). Breeds that consistently featured among the highest 10 for glaucoma prevalence from four different periods (1964 to 2002) included American Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound, Wire Fox Terrier, and Boston Terrier. During the last observation period (1994-2002), 22 different breeds had 1% or higher prevalence of the glaucomas. The highest prevalence of glaucomas in 1994-2002 by breed included: American Cocker Spaniel (5.52%); Basset Hound (5.44%); Chow Chow (4.70%); Shar-Pei (4.40%); Boston Terrier (2.88%); Wire Fox Terrier (2.28%); Norwegian ElkHound (1.98%); Siberian Husky (1.88%); Cairn Terrier (1.82%); and Miniature Poodle (1.68%). A predominance of females with glaucoma occurred in the American Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound, Cairn Terrier, Chow Chow, English Cocker Spaniel, Samoyed, and perhaps the Siberian Husky, and a predominance of males in the Australian Cattle dog and St Bernard. Age affected the time for first presentation of the glaucomas in the pure-bred dog. In the majority of breeds the glaucomas were presented for initial diagnosis in dogs between 4 and 10 years of age. CONCLUSION: Breed-related glaucomas in pure-bred dogs are frequently presented to the veterinary medical teaching hospitals in North America. The prevalence of the breed-related glaucomas in the dog appears similar to humans, and in some breeds exceeds that in humans. In many breeds the high prevalence of the glaucomas suggests a genetic basis.

Animals↗

Hypertensive retinopathy and choroidopathy in a cat.

Bilateral hypertensive retinopathy and choroidopathy with bullous retinal detachment was diagnosed in a 17-year-old, female spayed Domestic Short-haired cat. The underlying cause of the systemic hypertension could not be determined. The blood pressure was lowered successfully with the oral application of the L-type calcium channel blocker amlodipine besylate. The cat subsequently regained vision. The improvement in retinal function was documented using electroretinography.

Amlodipine↗

Periocular sarcoid in a horse.

A periocular nodular sarcoid of the right upper and lower eyelids was diagnosed in an 11-year-old Thoroughbred mare. Computed tomography scan revealed the extent of the tumor. The mass was surgically debulked under general anesthesia, and the affected periocular region was injected intralesionally with Bacillus of Calmette and Guerin (BCG). An emulsion of cell wall fractions was used, which has been modified to reduce the toxic and allergic effect, but retain the antitumor activity. In total, five injections were performed at 2-week intervals. At follow-up 7 months after the last BCG injection, the tumor was completely resolved. Two years after the last treatment, the horse remains tumor-free.

Animals↗

Secondary glaucomas in the dog in North America.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of secondary glaucomas in dogs associated with cataract formation, lens luxation or displacement, cataract surgery, uveitis, hyphema and intraocular neoplasia. METHODS: Information was obtained from the Veterinary Medical Data Base (VMDB) from all veterinary medical teaching hospitals in North America from March 1964 to March 2003. Secondary glaucomas were diagnosed at the same examination or after the primary diagnosis was made, and included those associated with cataract formation, lens luxation, cataract surgery, uveitis of unknown cause, hyphema of unknown cause, and intraocular neoplasia. The data were evaluated by decade, breed, gender and age of presentation. RESULTS: A total of 1 592 831 dogs were presented, and 9695 canine secondary glaucomas. Secondary glaucoma associated with cataract formation represented 81% of all the canine secondary glaucomas. Breeds (n = 7890 dogs) predisposed to secondary glaucoma and cataracts had an overall prevalence of 0.5%, but nearly 20% of all the cataractous dogs developed secondary glaucoma in at least one eye. For the years 1994-2003, these breeds included the American Cocker Spaniel; Boston Terrier; Toy, Miniature and Standard Poodle; English Springer Spaniel; Bichon Frise; and Labrador Retriever. The other forms of secondary glaucoma occurred less frequently, and included those glaucomas with lens luxation or displacement (779 dogs; 12.0%), postcataract surgery (528 dogs; 5.1%), with uveitis from unknown cause (399 dogs; 7.1%), with hyphema from unknown cause (117 dogs; 7.3%), and with intraocular neoplasia (19 dogs; 3.5%). The risk of the secondary glaucomas from 1984 to 2002 was highest after the intracapsular lens extraction (ICLE), less in the extracapsular technique (ECLE), and lowest for the phacoemulsification/phacofragmentation method. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of the canine secondary glaucomas ranges from 0.25% (1964-1973), 0.46% (1974-1983), 0.79% (1984-1993), to 0.80% (1994-2003) and are as frequent as the primary or breed-related glaucomas during these same time periods.

Animals↗

Orbitotomy for retrobulbar malignant fibrous histiocytoma in a dog.

A retrobulbar malignant fibrous histiocytoma was diagnosed in a 12-year-old castrated male Keeshond dog. The mass was excised with a lateral orbitotomy and zygomatic arch resection. Vision was preserved in the affected eye, and no recurrence was noted up to 10 months postoperatively. Malignant fibrous histiocytoma originates from primitive mesenchymal stem cells. The malignant fibrous histiocytoma seen in our patient was most consistent with the storiform-pleomorphic variant, given the storiform arrangement of spindle cells, the presence of histiocytoid cells, and a mixed inflammatory infiltrate, without giant cells. The metastatic potential of malignant fibrous histiocytoma in general, and the storiform variant in particular, is unknown. Seventeen months later the dog was presented to the referring veterinarian with anorexia, diarrhea, weight loss and bilateral purulent nasal exudates. The dog was euthanized without necropsy.

Animals↗

Prevalence of primary breed-related cataracts in the dog in North America.

The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of cataracts in dogs presented to veterinary medical teaching hospitals in North America between 1964 and 2003. A retrospective study of all dogs presented with cataracts to veterinary medical teaching hospitals in North America between 1964 and 2003 was conducted to determine cataract prevalence. The different decades, breeds, gender, and age at time of presentation with cataract were compared. The prevalence of dogs presented with cataract varied by decade and ranged from 0.95% (1964-73), 1.88% (1974-83), 2.42% (1994-2003), to 3.5% (1984-93). The total number of dogs presented with cataracts over the 40-year period was 39,229. From 1964 to 2003 the prevalence of cataract formation in this patient population increased by about 255%. Fifty-nine breeds of dogs were affected with cataracts above the baseline prevalence of 1.61% seen in mixed-breed/hybrid dogs. The breeds with the highest cataract prevalence included: Smooth Fox Terrier (11.70%), Havanese (11.57%), Bichon Frise (11.45%), Boston Terrier (11.11%), Miniature Poodle (10.79%), Silky Terrier (10.29%) and Toy Poodle (10.21%). The breeds with the largest number of cataractous dogs during the entire four decades were the Boston Terrier (11.11%), Miniature Poodle (10.79%), American Cocker Spaniel (8.77%), Standard Poodle (7.00%), and Miniature Schnauzer (4.98%). Gender ratios of cataractous dogs seemed to affect limited breeds. Age of presentation with cataract diagnosis varied among several breeds. In the mixed-breed/hybrid baseline population, cataract formation appeared to be age related with a higher frequency of cataract formation in dogs after 4-7 years. Cataract formation is one of the most prevalent eye diseases in the dog population, and in about 60 breeds of dogs the prevalence of cataract exceeds that of the baseline mixed-breed/hybrid group. The prevalence of cataract is also influenced by age in most purebred dogs and affects 16.80% of the 7-15+-year-old mixed-breed/hybrid dog population. Total and age-related cataract prevalence in dogs seems very similar to that in man.

Animals↗

Equine amniotic membrane transplantation for corneal ulceration and keratomalacia in three horses.

PURPOSE: Amniotic membrane has antifibrotic, anti-angiogenic and antiprotease properties. This retrospective study was designed to investigate the use of equine amniotic membrane transplants (AMT) at preserving vision, maintaining the structural integrity of the globe and maximizing cosmesis in equine eyes with corneal ulceration and severe keratomalacia. METHODS: Equine amnion had previously been aseptically harvested from a 12-year-old Thoroughbred mare during an elective Cesarean section. Sections of amnion were stored at -80 degrees C and thawed as needed. Records of equine cases at the University of Florida with keratomalacia that received an AMT without adjunctive conjunctival grafting were examined. Clinical description, details of medical and surgical treatment, globe survival and visual outcome were documented. Etiologies were determined by cytology, culture or histology. RESULTS: Three horses with corneal ulceration and severe keratomalacia received an AMT without conjunctival graft between December 2002 and April 2003. Pseudomonas spp. were cultured from all three eyes, with evidence of a concurrent fungal infection in two eyes. The three ulcers were 50, 72, and 76% of corneal diameter, and each one worsened in the face of aggressive medical therapy. In all three cases, the AMT sloughed over a 4 to 6-week period. At last follow-up, all three eyes receiving AMT were comfortable and receiving no medication, with light perception and an inconsistent location-dependent menace response. All three horses returned to their prior work. CONCLUSIONS: Results of a small number of equine AMT suggest that amnion can be used successfully to preserve both globe structure and limited vision, as well as optimize cosmesis, in horse eyes with corneal ulceration and severe keratomalacia.

Amnion↗

Suspected ivermectin toxicosis in a miniature mule foal causing blindness.

A 9-week-old miniature mule foal presented to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for acute blindness, ataxia, and depression following an overdose of an over-the-counter ivermectin-based de-worming medication. Ophthalmic examination and electrodiagnostic evaluation eliminated outer retinal abnormalities as the primary cause of the bilateral blindness, implicating instead a central neurologic effect of the drug. With symptomatic and supportive care, the foal recovered fully and regained its vision.

Animals↗

Ocular effects of topical 0.03% bimatoprost solution in normotensive feline eyes.

OBJECTIVE: The current study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of topically applied bimatoprost, an ocular hypotensive lipid, on intraocular pressure (IOP) and pupil size (PS) in healthy cats. ANIMAL STUDIED: Nine European Shorthair cats free from clinically relevant ocular abnormalities were used in the study. PROCEDURES: Pretreatment baseline measurements of IOP and PS were obtained bilaterally at 8 am, 2 pm, and 8 pm for five consecutive days (days 1 to 5). Then the cats received one drop twice daily (10 am and 6 pm) of bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03% (Lumigantrade mark, Allergan Inc., Irvine, CA USA), in one randomly selected eye and one drop of artificial tears in the fellow eye (control eye) for 5 days (days 6 to 10). Values for IOP and PS were obtained under the same conditions as in the pretreatment phase. The potential for ocular irritation following bimatoprost application was also evaluated. RESULTS: During the pretreatment period, the mean IOP and mean PS were not significantly different between the eyes subsequently treated with bimatoprost and those subsequently determined as controls. During the treatment period, the mean IOP in bimatoprost-treated eyes was not significantly lower than in control eyes (14.2+/-2.3 vs. 14.5+/-2.8 mmHg). Mean IOP in control eyes was not significantly changed at any time during the study period. A marked reduction of PS was seen in all bimatoprost-treated eyes, but no other clinically relevant side effects were observed. CONCLUSION: Twice daily topical applications of bimatoprost produced miosis but had no significant effect on IOP in healthy cats.

Administration, Topical↗