Preoperative findings and visual outcome associated with retinal reattachment surgery in dogs: 217 cases (275 eyes)

Report the correlation of pre-operative findings with visual outcome in dogs undergoing retinal reattachment surgery for giant retinal tears.

Retrospective analysis of dogs that underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with silicone oil (SiO) tamponade and endolaser retinopexy at one institution. Recorded parameters included signalment, etiology, and duration of retinal detachment, observable retinal tissue architecture, visual reflexes, lens status, presurgical aqueous flare, visual status postoperatively, and complications.

Two hundred and seventeen patients (275 eyes) were included. Common etiologies of detachment were primary vitreoretinal disease (50.5%), lens surgery (35.3%), and hypermature cataracts (6.2%). Immediate postoperative anatomic success was noted in 98% of operated eyes. Maintenance or return of vision was noted in 74.2% of patients (72% of eyes) through the last known follow-up, with return of vision on average 18.5 days postoperatively. In those eyes that regained vision, 71.7% had retained vision at the last known recheck examination, with an average follow-up time of 550 days. Pre-operative findings correlated with postoperative vision included presence of a dazzle reflex, presence of a menace response, and retinal tissue architecture. The most common complications included migration of SiO into the anterior chamber (49.4%), corneal ulceration (25.7%), glaucoma (25.7%), and cataract formation (24.5%).

Giant retinal tears in dogs can be successfully managed via PPV with SiO tamponade and endolaser retinopexy. Vision was maintained in the majority of cases with long-term follow-up. Patient history and thorough ophthalmic examination with attention to retinal tissue architecture are important in assessing surgical candidacy.