Intravitreal Cidofovir Injection for Refractory End-Stage Glaucoma and Vision Loss in Silicone Oil-Filled Eyes...

To describe the clinical outcome of intravitreal cidofovir injection for palliative management of refractory end-stage glaucoma and vision loss in silicone oil-filled eyes following retinal reattachment surgery in dogs.

Medical records of dogs that underwent a single intravitreal cidofovir injection for pharmacologic ciliary body ablation were retrospectively reviewed. Data collected included clinical history, intraocular pressure (IOP), post-injection ocular comfort, complications, and follow-up duration.

Four dogs (four eyes) were included. All treated eyes demonstrated a marked reduction in IOP at the first post-injection recheck (14-28 days after injection; post-injection IOP range: 3-7 mmHg). Adequate pain control was achieved in all dogs throughout the follow-up period (median follow-up: 306.5 days; range: 40-369 days). Progressive phthisis bulbi developed in one case at long-term follow-up, while the remaining eyes maintained acceptable globe integrity and cosmetic appearance. Moderate to severe post-injection ocular discharge, conjunctival hyperemia, and aqueous flare were observed in all cases and were manageable with routine topical therapy. All owners reported satisfaction with post-injection comfort and appearance.

A single intravitreal cidofovir injection may represent a feasible palliative option for controlling intraocular pressure and ocular pain in silicone oil-filled eyes with refractory glaucoma when enucleation is declined. Further studies are needed to better characterize long-term safety and outcomes in this clinical setting.