Evisceration with implantation of an intrascleral silicone prosthesis in dogs: A retrospective study of 107 cases (2010–2019)

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the preoperative clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of evisceration with implantation of an intrascleral sili- cone prosthesis (EIISP) procedures in dogs and evaluate whether brachycephalic dogs are more prone than non-brachycephalic dogs to develop postoperative complications after EIISP. Animal studied: Ninety-One dogs (19 of which were brachycephalic) were included. Procedures: Medical records from 2010 to 2019 were reviewed. Signalment, rea- son for EIISP, postoperative complications, follow-up time, and postoperative eye appearance were analyzed. Results: The most frequently represented breeds were French Bulldog [11/91 (12%) dogs], Jack Russell Terrier [6/91 (7%)], and Shih Tzu [6/91 (7%)]. Brachycephalic dogs were statistically younger than non-brachycephalic dogs at the time of EIISP (p = 1.61 × 10−5). Uncontrolled glaucoma was the most common reason for EIISP in both groups. Short-term complications (from D0 to D15) seen in 7/91 (8%) dogs included epithelial corneal ulcers (n = 3), keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) (n = 2), and prosthesis extrusion (n = 2). Long-term complications seen in 26/91 (29%) dogs included KCS (n = 11), epithelial corneal ulcers (n = 7), stromal ulcers (n = 3), entropion (n = 4), and prosthesis extrusion (n = 1). Extrusion of the prosthesis occurred twice in eyes that had undergone diode laser transscleral cyclophotoco- agulation. The risk of postoperative complications was not significantly different between brachycephalic and non-brachycephalic dogs (p = .3). Conclusions: Brachycephalic status in dogs does not appear to influence the risk of complications from EIISP. Nevertheless, the present study is a reminder that EIISP focuses on esthetics, and considering the possible complications associated with it, it does not provide a benefit to the patient compared to enucleation.