Bilateral phacofragmentation in a New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri)

Ophthalmic examination under anesthesia of a 5-yr-old, captive, male New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) with reduced visual capacity revealed bilateral cataracts. Surgical extraction of the lenses was performed by phacofragmentation. Preoperative mydriasis was unsuccessful using common topical mydriatic agents. Intraoperative intracameral epinephrine 1:10,000 produced minimal pupillary dilation, but excellent dilation was achieved with intracameral epinephrine at 1:1,000. Postoperative uveitis was controlled with oral prednisolone. Postoperative complications included generalized corneal edema persisting for approximately 1 wk and corneal ulceration caused by the lateral canthotomy sutures. Vision was restored in both eyes.