Clinical features and MRI characteristics of retinal detachment in dogs and cats

The aim of this retrospective observational study was to characterize the MRI appearance of retinal detachment (RD) in a sample of dogs and cats. Study inclusion was based on the following medical record criteria: (a) had a diagnosis of RD in at least one eye by either funduscopic examination or ocular ultrasound and had an MRI evaluation including the eyes, or (b) had a diagnosis of RD documented in an MRI report for at least one eye and also had a clinical eye examination. Eighteen patients (12 dogs, 6 cats) and 35 eyes met the inclusion criteria, although four eyes that were clinically examined could not be visualized funduscopically and did not have ocular ultrasound performed (criterion 2). The MRI and clinical diagnosis (via either funduscopy or ultrasound) of RD/no RD was concordant in 27 of 31 eyes (87%). Qualitatively, RD appeared as a variable intensity curvilinear structure located internal and adjacent to the sclera on all sequences and was best delineated on T2W sequences. RDs inconsistently contrast enhanced and, although there was no statistical difference, subjectively appeared more clearly delineated on dorsal and parasagittal images. In conclusion, findings from the current study support using MRI as an ancillary diagnostic test for confirmation or further characterization of RD in dogs and cats.