Comparison of diode laser trans-scleral cyclophotocoagulation versus implantation of a 350-mm2 Baerveldt glaucoma drainage device for the treatment of glaucoma in dogs (a retrospective study: 2010-2016)

Stem Cell-Based Therapies for Glaucoma Treatment: A Review Bridging the Gap in Veterinary Patients

Retinal diseases are characterized by progressive damage to retinal cells, leading to irreversible vision loss. Among these, glaucoma stands out as a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease involving elevated intraocular pressure, retinal ganglion cell apoptosis, and optic nerve damage, ultimately resulting in blindness in both humans and dogs. Stem cell-based therapies have emerged as a promising therapeutic option for such conditions due to their regenerative and neuroprotective potential. These therapies, particularly those based on mesenchymal stem cells, offer the potential to repair and protect retinal tissues through the bioactive molecules (growth factors, cytokines, chemokines) secreted, their secretome. However, research in this field, especially on the use of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells' secretome, remains sparse. Most clinical trials focus on human glaucomatous patients, leaving a significant gap in veterinary patients' application, especially in dogs, with additional research being needed to determine its usefulness in canine glaucoma treatment. Future studies should aim to evaluate these therapies across both human and veterinary contexts, broadening treatment possibilities for glaucoma.

Comparison of visual outcomes between medical treatment alone and Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in Shiba dogs with primary angle closure glaucoma

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to evaluate visual outcomes between medical treatment alone (MED) and Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation (AGVI) in Shiba dogs with primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG).

PROCEDURES

Records of 65 Shiba dogs (104 eyes) with PACG were retrospectively reviewed. Vision was assessed qualitatively using both the menace response and maze testing. The significance of age, sex, intraocular pressure (IOP), and duration of clinical signs (≤72 h or >72 h) at first presentation (V1) was assessed. Eyes with vision at V1 were divided into groups according to subsequent treatment method (MED versus AGVI), and vision as a survival outcome was compared between group by the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

At V1, 65 eyes (62.5%) of 54 dogs had vision. There was no statistically significant difference in age or sex on the presence of vision at V1. Median IOP was higher in blind (52 mmHg) compared to sighted eyes (28 mmHg) (p < .001). Eyes presenting in ≤72 h of the onset of clinical signs were more likely to have vision (86.7%) compared to those presenting after 72 h (44.1%) (p < .001). By the Kaplan-Meier analysis, the cumulative visual retention rate was significantly higher with AGVI than with MED (69.2% vs. 7.7%; p < .01) at 12 months. The median time to visual loss was 39.9 months with AGVI vs. 1.7 months with MED.

CONCLUSIONS

AGVI resulted in better visual outcomes than MED and should be considered in Shiba dogs with PACG that are visual at the time of presentation and suitable for surgery.

A Novel, Low-Cost Alternative to Traditional Glaucoma Surgeries

Purpose

To investigate the real-world efficacy of a novel, low-cost glaucoma drainage device in canine and human patients.

Methods

A retrospective case series of 17 eyes in 14 canines and one eye of a human patient who each underwent novel drainage device implantation is described. This device was constructed by insertion and advancement of a 24-gauge cannula (canine) or 23-gauge cannula (human) perpendicularly through five adjacent tubes of a 25-mm Yeates surgical drain.

Results

Of the canine patients, the average follow-up period was 362 days (range, 27-863). The mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was 50.9 ± 17.9 mm Hg. Following tube surgery, IOP was maintained at <20 mm Hg in 81.3%, 100%, 100%, 85.7%, 100%, and 75.0% of eyes at 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, respectively. Bleb needling and/or revisions were required in five eyes. Enucleations and/or device explantations were performed in five eyes at mean day 140. In the human case, the device was implanted in the right eye of a 64-year-old male with refractory raised IOP (55 mm Hg) despite maximum medical therapy. IOP was well controlled until day 818, when eventual tissue breakdown necessitated device removal.

Conclusions

This design represents a novel, low-cost, effective alternative to traditional glaucoma tube devices.

Translational Relevance

This device has great potential for use in regions where the needs for glaucoma drainage devices and surgical alternatives to trabeculectomy have not been met. Further development may include tube crimping or fenestration and preoperative loading of slow-release antibiotics and/or anti-metabolite medications within the non-draining lumens.

The Clinical Approach to Canine Glaucoma

This article provides a simplified approach to diagnosis and clinical decision making in cases of canine glaucoma for the general practitioner. An overview of the anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology related to canine glaucoma is provided as a foundation. Classifications of glaucoma based on cause are described as congenital, primary, and secondary, and a discussion of key clinical examination findings is provided to guide appropriate therapy and prognostication. Finally, a discussion of emergency and maintenance therapy is provided.

Long-term vision outcomes and breed differences of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve implantation in 132 eyes of 122 dogs

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long-term vision outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation in dogs.

PROCEDURES

The medical records of dogs that underwent AGV implantation from January 2010 to December 2019 were reviewed to assess the duration of post-surgical vision preservation (PVP). The relationship between PVP and the underlying cause of glaucoma, implant placement, and preoperative intraocular pressure was evaluated.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-two eyes of 122 dogs (mean age, 8.3 ± 2.6 years) were included. The mean ± standard error of PVP for all eyes was 57.5 ± 3.9 months. PVP in the dogs with primary acute glaucoma and prior history of cataract surgery was 56.4 ± 4.7 and 59.3 ± 5.9 months, respectively (p = .712). The PVP of the Shiba Inu, American Cocker Spaniel, and other breeds was 63.1 ± 5.5, 33.7 ± 5.3, and 59.1 ± 6.3 months, respectively (p < .05). The PVP in dogs with medial implantation was 61.9 ± 4.7 months, and in those with lateral implantation was 45.4 ± 6.4 months (p = .034). Among the 132 eyes investigated, 48 (36.4%) lost vision by the last follow-up, and 18 eyes retained vision for more than 5 years. Two of the total number of eyes retained their vision for more than 8 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The vision outcomes regarding the use of AGV for the management of canine glaucoma were favorable in dogs.

Outcomes of baervedlt implant surgery in 17 dogs (20 eyes) with primary closed-angle glaucoma (2013-2019)

OBJECTIVE

To report outcomes and follow-up of Baerveldt implant surgery in dogs with primary closed-angle glaucoma (PCAG).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Record review of client-owned dogs with PCAG that underwent Baerveldt implant surgery during a 6-year period. Postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), vision and daily number of anti-glaucoma drops at fixed time points (3, 12, and 24 months) were compared with preoperative values; complications were recorded. Success was defined as IOP <20 mm Hg and a positive menace response and navigation/tracking ability.

RESULTS

Twenty eyes (17 dogs) were included. Mean follow-up was 575 days (range 30-1767 days) from implant surgery to last examination. Three months postoperatively 15/20 (75%) eyes had IOP <20 mm Hg and 14/20 (70%) eyes had vision. Twelve months postoperatively 11/17 (65%) eyes had IOP <20 mm Hg and 12/19 (63%) eyes had vision. Twenty-four months postoperatively 8/14 (57%) eyes had IOP <20 mm Hg and 7/15 (47%) eyes had vision. Denominators differ between time points as eyes were included when duration after surgery reached the relevant postoperative time point or failure was documented earlier. Within 3 months postoperatively 16/20 (80%) eyes had ≥1 complication, including transient IOP >20 mm Hg (14/20; 70% eyes), fibrin (12/20; 60% eyes), and hypotony (4/20; 20% eyes). After 3 months, postoperatively 13/16 (81%) eyes had ≥1 complication, including cataracts (13/16; 81% eyes), bleb fibrosis (3/16; 19% eyes), and conjunctival wound breakdown (1/16; 6% eyes). One patient (1 eye) was euthanized for blindness and 5/20 (25%) eyes were enucleated.

CONCLUSIONS

The technique was effective in controlling IOP and maintaining vision in most dogs in this study.

A review of glaucoma surgical therapy

Glaucoma is a disorder of all species due to a rise of intraocular pressure (IOP) beyond which is compatible with ganglion cell and axon function, often resulting in optic nerve degeneration and irreversible blindness. Glaucoma treatment with surgical intervention aimed at either reducing aqueous production, or increasing or altering aqueous outflow has evolved over preceding decades, but there remains no cure. The present article is intended to provide a concise review of glaucoma surgical therapies in veterinary ophthalmology.

Prophylactic anti-glaucoma therapy in dogs with primary glaucoma: A practitioner survey of current medical protocols

AIM

To examine the use of prophylactic anti-glaucoma medications in the normotensive fellow eye in dogs with unilateral overt primary glaucoma by veterinary ophthalmology clinicians.

METHODS

A survey of veterinary ophthalmology clinicians was distributed over two international list serves servicing veterinary ophthalmologists, trainees, and individuals whose practice consisted primarily of ophthalmic patients. The survey was developed following analysis of historical and currently available medical options for control of intraocular pressure and for neuroprotection.

RESULTS

Responses from 199 veterinary ophthalmology clinicians were evaluated. While a large variety of topical anti-hypertensive drugs and protocols were used, the most commonly used medications were aqueous humor production suppressors such as dorzolamide 2.0% ophthalmic solution, timolol 0.5% ophthalmic solution, and a combination product containing both drugs. Latanoprost 0.005% ophthalmic solution was used infrequently for prophylaxis by comparison. The majority of respondents do not use concurrent anti-inflammatory medications (61.22%), although a sizeable minority used prednisolone acetate, dexamethasone, or ketorolac as prophylactic treatment. Systemically administered ocular anti-hypertensive agents were rarely used. Only 40% of respondents used neuroprotectant agents; the most commonly prescribed were the calcium channel blocker amlodipine and the nutraceutical Ocu-Glo™. Recommended intervals between re-examination by the clinician ranged from one month to one year, with most re-evaluations occurring every 3 to 6 months. The majority of respondents recommended more frequent assessments of IOP at intervals between once monthly and once every 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Data analysis of medical therapy for the normotensive fellow eye of dogs previously diagnosed with primary glaucoma suggests that there is a great need for well-designed, prospective, controlled, multi-center studies to determine which protocols have the greatest efficacy in delaying an overt attack in the previously normotensive eye in dogs with a genetic predisposition to glaucoma. Prospective studies utilizing a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor such as dorzolamide and a prostaglandin analogue such as latanoprost would be reasonable as these two drugs are widely used in the treatment of overt glaucoma and would allow for an exploration of the impact of different mechanisms of action of lowering IOP on the pathophysiology of primary glaucoma.

A technique for shotgun proteomic analysis of the precorneal tear film in dogs with naturally occurring primary glaucoma

OBJECTIVE

To introduce a protocol for the characterization of protein patterns in tears of dogs with primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

ANIMALS

Nineteen dogs (25 eyes).

METHODS

Tear samples were collected using a Schirmer tear strip, from dogs with PACG (PACG-affected eyes, n = 8; unaffected eyes predisposed to PACG, n = 7), POAG (n = 4), and healthy controls (n = 6). Protein precipitation and trypsin digestion were performed for analyses via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Proteins were identified using the SwissProt protein sequence database. Relative protein expression in 17 eyes (15 dogs) was evaluated using Proteome Discoverer 2.0. Pathway analyses were performed to investigate molecular mechanisms associated with primary glaucoma.

RESULTS

Unique peptides were identified in 505 proteins, with Major allergen Can f 1 and albumin identified with high confidence. Proteins unique to tears from diseased eyes (PACG: n = 7; POAG: n = 14) were identified. Nucleoside diphosphate was unique to tears in PACG eyes naïve to therapy, while retinal binding protein and NSFL1 cofactor p47 were unique to medicated PACG eyes. Relative expression of 34 proteins differed between disease states. Pathway analyses identified that the 'inflammatory response' was among the top disease/disorders in dogs with primary glaucoma (PACG and POAG) but not in healthy controls.

CONCLUSION

Tear samples suitable for mass spectrometry were readily obtained from pet dogs without needing specialized equipment. Further studies to validate the findings and explore potential candidate biomarkers for early disease detection and potential therapeutic targets are indicated.

The future of canine glaucoma therapy

Canine glaucoma is a group of disorders that are generally associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP) resulting in a characteristic optic neuropathy. Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in dogs and may be either primary or secondary. Despite the growing spectrum of medical and surgical therapies, there is no cure, and many affected dogs go blind. Often eyes are enucleated because of painfully high, uncontrollable IOP. While progressive vision loss due to primary glaucoma is considered preventable in some humans, this is mostly not true for dogs. There is an urgent need for more effective, affordable treatment options. Because newly developed glaucoma medications are emerging at a very slow rate and may not be effective in dogs, work toward improving surgical options may be the most rewarding approach in the near term. This Viewpoint Article summarizes the discussions and recommended research strategies of both a Think Tank and a Consortium focused on the development of more effective therapies for canine glaucoma; both were organized and funded by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists Vision for Animals Foundation (ACVO-VAF). The recommendations consist of (a) better understanding of disease mechanisms, (b) early glaucoma diagnosis and disease staging, (c) optimization of IOP-lowering medical treatment, (d) new surgical therapies to control IOP, and (e) novel treatment strategies, such as gene and stem cell therapies, neuroprotection, and neuroregeneration. In order to address these needs, increases in research funding specifically focused on canine glaucoma are necessary.