Dacryocystitis in dogs caused by foreign bodies-Diagnosis and therapy in 14 Cases

To describe foreign bodies (FBs) in the nasolacrimal sac of dogs, the history, and simple diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Animals studied Fourteen dogs of different breeds, ages, and sexes were presented with unilateral dacryocystitis and had been treated without success for over 1-8 months.

Patient history, including prior treatment, was obtained from medical records. Slit-lamp examination was performed in all cases (SL 17, Kowa Company Ltd.). Jones tests 1 and/or 2 were performed in 13/14 cases. Dacryocystotomy was initiated with an incision into one canaliculus until the lacrimal sac was exposed and could be explored. After extracting the FB from the nasolacrimal sac, the surgical wound and canaliculus were left open. Aftercare included the administration of antibiotic eye drops with or without dexamethasone and systemic analgesia.

All 14 dogs were mesocephalic. Four of them were Dachshunds. Dacryocystotomy revealed plant-related FBs in all cases. The purulent discharge disappeared immediately after removal and did not recur during follow-up.

A simple dacryocystotomy is recommended for dogs with a strong suspicion of a foreign body in the lacrimal drainage system. Dacryocystorhinography appears to be an optional tool in these cases.