Dacryoendoscopy for dacryocystitis management in a dog: A case report

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Ophthalmology
• Canine Surgery

Background:

• Periorbital swelling and skin fistulas can occur in dogs.
• Accurate diagnosis of nasolacrimal duct issues is crucial for effective treatment.

Observation:

• A 10-year-old male dog presented with a skin fistula secondary to a ruptured periorbital swelling.
• Computed tomography with dacryocystography (CT-DCG) showed nasolacrimal duct obstruction but did not clarify the fistula's origin.
• Dacryoendoscopy identified the fistula's connection to the nasolacrimal duct and oral cavity.

Findings:

• The periorbital swelling was linked to an accessory nasolacrimal duct infection or inflammation.
• Dacryoendoscope-guided cannulation with a nasolacrimal tube successfully treated the fistula.
• The fistula was connected to the oral cavity via the nasolacrimal tube.

Implications:

• Dacryoendoscopy is a valuable tool for diagnosing complex canine nasolacrimal duct disorders.
• This minimally invasive technique offers a successful treatment for periorbital fistulas in dogs.
• Early diagnosis and targeted intervention improve outcomes for canine ophthalmic conditions.