Retrospective study of prophylactic random transscleral retinopexy in the Bichon Frise with cataract

The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of prophylactic random transscleral retinopexy (PRTR) in preventing rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in the Bichon Frise with juvenile cataract. The medical records were reviewed from a private veterinary ophthalmology practice of nondiabetic Bichon Frise dogs younger than 11 years that had inherited cortical cataracts in one or both eyes and that had a follow-up examination after at least 9 months. Eyes were included in the study if the fundus could be visualized by indirect ophthalmoscopy at the last examination either because of phacoemulsification or resorption of the cataract. Four groups of eyes were identified. In group 1, no PRTR was performed and there was resorption of the cataract; in group 2, eyes had no PRTR performed and phacoemulsification of the cataract. Group 3 had PRTR performed and resorption of the cataract. In group 4, PRTR was performed as was phacoemulsification of the cataract. In group 1, 20 eyes had resorbed cataracts, and 12 (60%) of these had RRD. In group 2, 18 eyes had phacoemusification of the cataract, and 10 (55%) of these had RRD. In group 3, 19 eyes had PRTR and resorbed cataracts, and 2 (10%) of them had RRD. In group 4, 39 eyes had PRTR and phacoemulsification of the cataract; of these 5 (12%) had RRD. The Bichon Frise dog with inherited cataract is at high risk of RRD. PRTR reduces this risk.