Coil embolization of a congenital orbital varix in a dog

A 10-week-old Labrador Retriever was examined because of a swelling above the left eye. Ophthalmic examination revealed a tubular, light-pink, slightly raised lesion of the left conjunctiva that extended from the limbus to the fornix and into the dorsal eyelid. The lesion affected the entire margin of the dorsal eyelid and extended 2 cm dorsal to the eyelid margin. With compression of the left jugular vein, the exophthalmos worsened immediately and the subconjunctival and eyelid lesion enlarged. Results of ultrasonography, computed tomography, and contrast venography were consistent with a diagnosis of an orbital varix. Coil embolization was elected for treatment of the varix to prevent the pain and morbidity associated with an orbitotomy. Coils were introduced through a 22-gauge IV catheter inserted through the upper eyelid into the varix. The only complication was moderately severe orbital swelling. The owners reported that the lesion had resolved by 2 weeks after coil embolization.