Prognostic indicators and outcome in dogs undergoing temporary tarsorrhaphy following traumatic proptosis

Incidence of concurrent systemic injuries with traumatic proptosis and its effect on outcome - 100 dogs

Objective

To evaluate the incidence of concurrent systemic injuries in dogs with traumatic ocular proptosis and their effect on survival to discharge. Additionally, to evaluate for associations between the type of trauma, each presenting vital signs, minimum laboratory database findings including packed cell volume, total solids, plasma glucose and lactate concentrations, and the diagnosis of concurrent systemic injury and survival.

Design

Retrospective study between the years 2017 and 2022.

Setting

One university teaching hospital and one large, private practice.

Animals

One hundred dogs presenting to the hospital with a diagnosis of traumatic ocular proptosis.

Measurements and main results

Medical records were retrospectively reviewed; signalment, breed, sex, age, weight, date of presentation, type of trauma sustained, time from trauma to presentation, vitals on presentation, and minimum laboratory database findings including packed cell volume (PCV), total solids (TS), plasma glucose concentration, and plasma lactate concentration were recorded. A modified animal trauma triage (ATT) score was retrospectively calculated. A total of 17 dogs (17%) had concurrent systemic injury. Compared to dogs without systemic injuries, dogs with systemic injuries had a significantly lower body temperature [median 101.1F (38.3C) vs. 101.6F (38.6C); P = 0.008], significantly higher plasma glucose concentrations (125 mg/dL, 6.9 mmol/L vs. 112 mg/dL, 6.2 mmol/L; P = 0.012) and approaching statistical significance, lower PCV values (median 40 vs. 46%; P = 0.051).

Conclusions

Dogs presenting with traumatic ocular proptosis do present with concurrent systemic, non-ocular injuries; however, these concurrent injuries do not seem to be associated with survival to discharge.

Ocular Injuries Related to Grooming Visits in Dogs: 161 Cases (2004-2020)

Owners of dogs with ocular issues often suspect their pet's eye problems are linked to recent grooming visits. A medical records search was performed to identify dogs presenting with ocular complaints initially noted within 24 hr of a commercial grooming appointment. Data collected included signalment, type of injury, treatment, and notations regarding behavioral issues potentially contributing to injury. One hundred sixty-one episodes involving 159 dogs were identified. Male dogs accounted for 57% of episodes. Median age at presentation was 59 mo. Shih tzu were involved in 34% of incidents, and 71% involved small-breed dogs. Aggressive or reactive behaviors were reported in 33% of dogs. Corneal ulceration was the most common injury (71% of incidents), followed by conjunctivitis (11%), eyelid lacerations (7%), and subconjunctival hemorrhage (6%). Surgical management was required in 14% of cases, including four dogs that underwent enucleation. Ocular injury during grooming appointments can occur via several mechanisms including trauma, exposure to grooming products, or inadvertent strangulation. Small-breed dogs, particularly shih tzu, appear to be at increased risk. Reactive or aggressive behavior likely increases risk of ocular injury. Veterinarians can help limit grooming-associated ocular injuries by recommending behavioral or pharmacological interventions before grooming visits.