Management of giant retinal tears in dogs

Sixteen dogs with giant retinal tears resulting in total retinal detachment (360 degrees) underwent unilateral retinal reattachment surgery. In all dogs, complete vitrectomy was performed, and in most, perfluorooctane liquid was used to unroll and flatten the detached retina. Stainless steel tacks were used to anchor the retina to the choroid and sclera. Silicone oil was injected into the vitreous cavity to provide for permanent retinal tamponade. Endophotocoagulation or cryosurgery was used in several dogs to induce formation of permanent chorioretinal adhesions. Retinal attachment was successful in 14 of 16 dogs, and 13 of 14 dogs in which reattachment was successful retained some degree of vision. Complications included formation of cataracts and corneal erosions, development of glaucoma, and dislodgement of tacks.