Lateral canthal reconstruction for the treatment of macroblepharon/diamond eye conformation in dogs

To introduce a novel surgical technique for treatment of macroblepharon and diamond eye conformation in dogs.

Lateral canthal reconstruction was used in dogs with prominent eyelid malformations resulting in ocular surface disease. Lateral canthus was resected and new lateral canthus was created using a two-layer closure. This technique was performed either alone or in combination with additional procedure(s). Additionally, this technique was used to resect lateral canthal dermoid.

One hundred and fifty-three eyes of 85 dogs were included in the study. Procedure was done for macroblepharon and/or lateral canthal entropion (149 eyes of 81 dogs) or for lateral canthal dermoid (four eyes of four dogs). Procedure was done either alone (n = 68 eyes) or in combination with additional procedure (n = 85 eyes). Favorable cosmetic outcome and client satisfaction was achieved in all dogs. Good to excellent functional outcome was recorded in all but 6 eyes of 4 dogs, which required additional surgery. Most common complications included slight undercorrection or overcorrection.

Lateral canthal reconstruction is a simple yet effective surgical procedure for macroblepharon and/or lateral canthal entropion. If done early, it prevents development of secondary eyelid malformation ("pagoda defect") in giant breed dogs. If done after severe eyelid malformation has developed, combining this technique with concurrent pagoda resection is recommended to achieve ideal eyelid conformation. None.