Prognostic indicators and outcome in dogs undergoing temporary tarsorrhaphy following traumatic proptosis

Retrospectively evaluate prognostic indicators and outcome in dogs undergoing temporary tarsorrhaphy following traumatic proptosis.

Medical records (2004-2017) were reviewed for signalment, cause and duration of proptosis, and clinical findings on admission. The operating faculty member, post-operative medications, and ophthalmic findings at last recheck were recorded. Owners of dogs with blinded eyes were surveyed regarding final outcome and satisfaction. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact, Likelihood ratio, and Mann-Whitney tests.

At last recheck, 17.5 ± 7.3 (mean ± SD) days post-operatively, vision was present in 12/43 eyes (28%). Vision at last recheck was not correlated with breed, cause or duration of proptosis, or post-operative medications (P > .05), but was correlated with presence of direct and indirect pupillary light reflexes (PLRs) on admission (P = .001 and .02, respectively), and with assessment and surgery performed by veterinary ophthalmologists rather than surgery or emergency personnel (P = .015). Mean satisfaction scores (graded 0-10) of 22 owners contacted 59.6 ± 48.2 months after last recheck were 7.8 ± 2.6 (n = 6), 5.7 ± 4.9 (n = 3), and 8.8 ± 1.3 (n = 13) for dogs with phthisical eyes, eyes requiring long-term medications, and blind but otherwise normal eyes, respectively (P = .284).

Contrary to previous studies, breed, and cause and duration of proptosis, did not significantly affect outcome. Testing of direct and indirect PLR is a simple and significant prognostic indicator. Patients assessed and operated by a veterinary ophthalmologist have better prognosis.