Transpalpebral exenteration in dogs: A retrospective study (2003‒2023)

Transpalpebral exenteration is indicated in cases of neoplasia, infection or severe trauma involving the globe and orbit. Limited peer-reviewed literature exists on the indications, complications and outcomes associated with this procedure in dogs.

This retrospective study analysed medical records of 35 dogs undergoing transpalpebral exenteration at three UK veterinary referral centres between 2003 and 2023. The data included signalment, diagnostic findings, surgical details and postoperative complications. Kruskal‒Wallis and Fisher's exact tests were used to analyse relationships between clinical variables and complications.

Orbital neoplasia was the most common indication (54.3%, 19/35), followed by orbital inflammatory disease (25.7%, 9/35), orbital cyst (11.4%, 4/35), orbital foreign body (5.7%, 2/35) and orbital pseudotumour (2.9%, 1/35). Immediate postoperative complications (<2 days) occurred in 60% (21/35) of cases, with surgical site swelling being the most frequent (90.5%). Short-term (2‒21 days) and long-term (>21 days) complications occurred in 20% (7/35) and 5.7% (2/35) of cases, respectively. Six patients (17.1%) required additional treatment. No significant correlations were found between the independent variables and complication rates.

This study is limited by its retrospective nature and the small sample size.

Transpalpebral exenteration is a safe procedure with primarily minor postoperative complications that typically resolve without intervention.