ObjectivesThis study evaluated the therapeutic effects of subconjunctival injection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for treating deep corneal ulcers and corneal perforation in cats.MethodsOf the 24 cats identified with a deep corneal ulcer or perforation, 17 received MSCs and medical treatment; among them, six had deep corneal ulcers and 11 had corneal perforations. Of the seven cats that received only medical treatment, three cats had deep corneal ulcers and four cats had corneal perforations. All were monitored with fluorescein staining at 3-4 days and weekly assessments after MSC injection until fluorescein-negative status was achieved.ResultsOutcomes were compared between cats treated with subconjunctival MSC injections and MSC-untreated cats. Based on the results, 15/17 (88%) cats treated with MSCs became fluorescein-negative within 1-3 weeks, whereas 2/17 (12%) of those receiving subconjunctival MSC injections achieved this outcome within 5-6 weeks. During the mean follow-up period of 146 ± 138 days (range 15-398) after MSC injection, recurrence of corneal perforations was observed in four cats that were ultimately completely healed. All deep corneal ulcers healed uneventfully. In the MSC-untreated group, 4/7 (57%) achieved fluorescein-negative status within 3-7 weeks, while another 2/7 (29%) experienced recurrent corneal perforation on days 3 and 58, requiring conjunctival graft surgery. Postoperatively, fluorescein-negative status was achieved 25 and 72 days after the initial treatment, respectively. Of the seven cats, one (14%) had recurrent corneal perforation that had healed on day 103.Conclusions and relevanceThese findings highlight the potential of MSC therapy in promoting corneal ulcer and corneal perforation healing in cats.

Cataracts cause vision loss in rabbits, often either spontaneously or as secondary to uveitis. This study considers the ophthalmic presentation, treatment, and outcome of phacoemulsification in seven pet rabbits: six presenting with lens cloudiness and one presenting with a white mass in the iris. Ophthalmic examinations revealed cataracts. The treatment plan was phacoemulsification. Encephalitozoon cuniculi was identified via an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique performed on all rabbits. Ocular ultrasonography was performed to rule out retinal detachment. Phacoemulsification using the one-handed technique without intraocular lens implantation was performed in 8 of the eyes of the 7 rabbits. After surgery, the corneal wounds healed within 2 weeks. All rabbits were comfortable with opening their eyes and had a positive dazzle reflex and a clear visual axis, with no other severe complications (such as retinal detachment, intraocular hemorrhaging, or uncontrolled glaucoma) throughout the post-operative period. Postoperative complications consisted of corneal edema around the surgical wound (2 eyes; 25%); partial anterior synechiae (1 eye; 12.5%); partial posterior synechiae (5 eyes; 3 eyes before surgery and 2 eyes after surgery; 25%); posterior capsular opacities (3 eyes; 37.5%); and lens fiber overgrowths (2 eyes; 25%). In conclusion, successful phacoemulsification was achieved in the seven pet rabbits.

Spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs) are characterized by nonadherent corneal epithelium leading to poor attachment to the corneal stroma. The objective of this study was to characterize corneal outcomes concurrently with the quantification of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) in tear fluid after the subconjunctival injection of canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (cAD-MSCs) in canine SCCEDs. Ten eyes with SCCEDs, which were nonresponsive to two rounds of diamond burr debridement, were included in this study. All eyes received a single subconjunctival injection of 1 × 106 cAD-MSCs. Ophthalmic examinations were performed before treatment and on day 7, 14, and 21 after treatment. Tear samples were collected for the quantification of TNF-α and VEGF-A concentrations by a canine multiplex immunoassay. Nine out of ten eyes revealed complete healing by day 21. The mean healing time was 10.89 ± 1.7 days. All eyes showed a decreased degree of ocular discomfort, in accordance with the degree of corneal characteristics. The concentrations of VEGF-A significantly reduced from pre-treatment (4334.91 ± 1275.92 pg/mL) to day 21 post-treatment (3064.61 ± 1028.66 pg/mL). No significant difference in TNF-α concentration was observed before/after treatment. In conclusion, the single use of a subconjunctival injection of cAD-MSCs could be used as an alternative treatment for canine SCCEDs.

Background:Multilobular tumor of bone or multilobular osteochondrosarcoma is a tumor of flat bone in the skull. The treatment of choice for a multilobular tumor of bone is local aggressive surgical excision. Case Description:A female Cocker Spaniel dog aged 11 years presented with a history of globe displacement of the right eye for 3 months. Ophthalmic examination revealed exophthalmos, third eyelid protrusion, and slightly increased intraocular pressure OD (oculus dexter; right eye). Computed tomography (CT) revealed a mass effect in the right retrobulbar, maxilla, zygomatic, and temporal areas. Right zygomatic and temporal bone lysis were observed. Physical examination, hematology, and blood chemistry results were within normal limits. Exenteration with zygomatic arch removal was performed. During surgery, a firm 2-lobed mass (4.8 × 3.7 and 1.6 × 1.4 cm) adhered to the mandible was found in the retrobulbar area OD. Histopathological findings revealed a multilobular tumor of bone. CT imaging was performed for the remaining tumor and an extended part of the right retrobulbar mass was found. Hypofractioned radiotherapy with 6 fractions of 6 Gy was performed on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35. At 1-month and 4-month follow-up inspections, the mass gradually reduced in size. At 8 months and 11 months after radiotherapy, the mass was unremarkable. The dog was alert during all follow-up periods to 1 year and 8 months after hypofractioned radiotherapy combined with exenteration and partial orbitectomy. Conclusion:Hypofractioned radiotherapy combined with exenteration and partial orbitectomy extended the patient's survival and decreased the size of the remaining tumor for the management of orbital multilobular tumor of bone in this dog for at least 1 year and 8 months.

Background:Cataract is a common disease in the lenses of birds. Cataract surgery is the recommended treatment for birds with visual impairment. Nevertheless, reports of the results of cataract surgery in birds are limited.Case Description:An unknown-aged male black kite (Milvus migrans) was presented to Kasetsart University Veterinary Teaching Hospital to evaluate and treat bilateral ocular cloudiness. Bilateral hypermature cataracts were diagnosed. A-scan biometry was carried out to calculate the intraocular lens' (IOL) diopter power. Bilateral cataract extraction by lens aspiration with +17.5 diopter foldable IOL implantation was successfully completed. Two months after surgery, the black kite navigated well and could fly and catch his food. Retinoscopy at 4 months postoperative revealed -0.5 diopters OD, whereas OS could not be assessed due to a poor reflection. Follow-up at 3 years after surgery, the black kite's vision remained favorable.Conclusion:Phacoemulsification and IOL implantation were successful in this black kite because the black kite's vision was noticeably improved, and the black kite was able to navigate well. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of bilateral cataract surgery with IOL implantation using a calculated dioptric power (+17.5 D) IOL in a black kite.

A 4-year-old male Labrador retriever dog presented with a history of conjunctivitis OU and mild buphthalmos OS for one week. Ophthalmic examination revealed corneal edema, conjunctivitis, iritis, aqueous flare, posterior synechia, fibrin on the anterior lens capsule, increased intraocular pressure (IOP =30 mmHg OD; IOP = 48 mmHg OS), weak positive menace response, brisk positive dazzle reflex and negative pupillary light reflex OU. The iridocorneal angle could not be visualized due to corneal edema. Physical examination, hematology and blood chemistry results were normal. Both eyes were diagnosed as having glaucoma and uveitis. Topical prednisolone acetate, atropine sulfate, brinzolamide and timolol including oral doxycyclin and prednisolone were prescribed. The IOP readings in the right eye were initially controlled with medication for only 3-4 weeks whereas the IOPs in the left eye were refractory to treatment. Glaucoma in the left eye became chronic while vision remained in the right eye. One-eighth iridectomy at 10-11 o'clock and 2x6 mm sclerectomy at 10-11 o'clock were performed in the right eye to create aqueous humor passage drainage. Cyclocryotherapy was performed in the left eye. Topical prednisolone acetate, brinzolamide and timolol were applied OU. Seven months postoperatively, the IOPs were maintained within normal OU limits at all examinations. Menace response and dazzle reflex were positive in the right eye. An obstacle course was positive when the left eye was covered.

BACKGROUND AND AIM:Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a chronic inflammatory ocular disease that occurs in many dog breeds worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the tear protein pattern of healthy dogs, KCS dogs, and KCS dogs after treatment with cyclosporine A (CsA).MATERIALS AND METHODS:Twenty-eight dogs of any breed were enrolled in the study. The subjects were divided into three groups: Healthy, KCS, and CsA-treated dogs. Tear samples were collected using Schirmer strips. Tear proteins extracted from the strips were analyzed using two-dimensional electrophoresis. For the first dimension, total protein from tears was separated by isoelectric focusing. The second dimension was performed using 12.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The gel images were analyzed and the protein spots of differential expression were manually cut for protein annotation using mass spectrometry.RESULTS:In total, 12 protein spots were excised and subjected to protein identification. Associated with KCS, six protein spots were a downregulated protein, namely, lysozyme. The other six protein spots were upregulated in KCS dogs, consisting of heat shock protein beta-1, protein S100-A12, and keratin type II cytoskeletal 1 and 5. After treatment with CsA for 45 days, the lysozyme protein was still decreasing and the inflammation protein (S100-A12) was not identified.CONCLUSION:Inflammatory tear proteins and proteins involved in cellular stress were present in KCS dogs and appeared to be reduced in medicated eyes. Treatment with topical CsA in the short term may not improve the activity of antibacterial proteins. Changes in the expression patterns of these four proteins might be useful for disease severity and progression assessment, as well as for exploring a novel method for dry eye management in dogs.

Background: Cataracts are the major cause of visual impairment in animals which can be curable by surgical treatment. Phacoemulsification is the standard technique for cataract treatment that is applied to almost all species with a high success rate. Case Description: A 2-year-old intact female orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) was presented for the study having bilateral opacity of the lenses, for 2 weeks. Ophthalmic examination revealed mature cataract OU. Ocular biometry measurements using A-scan ultrasonography for appropriate intraocular lens (IOL) refractive power calculation were carried out. Electroretinography was applied to ensure retinal function is intact. The orangutan underwent phacoemulsification OU and +24 diopter IOL implantation OS to restore vision. IOL implantation was not carried out OD because of a posterior capsular tear. Retinoscopy after 3 weeks postoperatively revealed +2.0 diopters OS. The outcome of the cataract surgery was successful during 3 years follow-up. The orangutan lived with other orangutans and was alert with normal behavior such as catching food, climbing trees, and swinging hand over hand from one branch to another. Conclusion: Cataract surgery with phacoemulsification OU and adjusted IOL implantation OD was successful with few complications in this orangutan. Vision was restored with normal behavior, even though an adjusted IOL was inserted in only one eye.

Twenty-nine canine intraocular transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) tissue samples from 21 dogs diagnosed between 2008 and 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. The following clinical data were compared: patient signalment; onset of clinical signs; ophthalmic signs; location of intraocular lesion; duration of unilateral intraocular TVT to bilateral intraocular TVT during the two-year follow-up period; and treatment. Thirty-eight percent (8/21) of the dogs with intraocular TVT eventually had bilateral intraocular TVT within two years. Seventy-five percent (6/8) of the dogs with bilateral intraocular TVT had initially presented with a unilateral lesion. Two dogs that presented with intraocular TVT had no history of genital or extragenital TVT. Chemotherapy did not lead to complete remission of intraocular TVT in contrast to genital and extragenital TVT. Enucleation was performed for all affected eyes. The spread of genital/extragenital TVT to unilateral or bilateral intraocular TVT should be considered and monitored for at least 24 months or longer.

This report characterized seven cases of canine retrobulbar lymphoma that have been diagnosed during 2008 to 2014 by immunophenotyping of CD3 and Pax5. Classification of lymphoma were performed according to the revised WHO guidelines. Four retrobulbar lymphomas were of T-cell origin, while the others were of B-cell. Out of 7 cases, four subtypes were diagnosed in this study; T-cell-rich large B-cell lymphoma (3/7), T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (2/7), peripheral T-cell lymphoma (1/7), and cutaneous nonepitheliotropic lymphoma (1/7). T-cell-rich large B-cell lymphoma was found to be the most frequent subtype found.

ObjectiveTo establish baseline normal scotopic electroretinograpic (ERG) parameters for two wild cat species: fishing cats (FC) and leopard cats (LC).Animal studiedTwelve normal, FC and eight LC kept in the Chiang Mai Night Safari Zoo, Thailand. The mean ages of FC and LC were 7.08 and 5.00 years, respectively.ProcedureAll animals were studied using a standard scotopic protocol of a portable, handheld, multi-species electroretinography (HMsERG).ResultsThere were significant differences in the means of ERG b-wave amplitude of the rod response (Rod, 0.01 cd.s/m(2)), a- and b-wave amplitudes of standard light intensity of rod and cone response (Std R&C, 3 cd.s/m(2)) and b-wave amplitude of high light intensity of rod and cone response (Hi-int R&C, 10 cd.s/m(2)) with LC having higher amplitudes than FC. There was no significant difference in a- and b- wave implicit time except for the b-wave of Hi-int (P=0.03). No significant differences were observed in b/a amplitude ratios.ConclusionsData from this report provides reference values for scotopic ERG measurements in these two wild cat species. It showed that the normal scotopic ERG responses have some differences between the two species which might be due to the skull conformation, eye size or physiology of the retina.

Background/Aims: Photoperiod is a major environmental cue in temperate-zone birds which synchronizes breeding with the time of year that offers the optimal environment for offspring survival. Despite continued long photoperiods, these birds eventually become refractory to the stimulating photoperiod and their reproductive systems regress. In this study, we characterized the role of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurotransmission in modulating the response of the premammillary nucleus (PMM) to a gonad stimulatory photoperiod and the onset of photorefractoriness. Methods and Results: Bilateral ablation of the PMM blocked the light-induced neuroendocrine response from occurring in photosensitive turkeys. Microarray analyses revealed an increase in GABAergic activity in the PMM of photorefractory birds as opposed to photosensitive ones, and this enhanced GABAergic activity appeared to inhibit the photoperiodic signal. Additionally, GABAA and GABAB receptors were expressed by dopamine-melatonin neurons in the PMM, and the administration of the GABA receptor agonist baclofen blocked the photoperiodic reproductive neuroendocrine responses. Conclusions: Consistent with the present findings, we propose that the long-sought-after mechanism underlying photorefractoriness is linked to the inhibitory actions of GABA. We suggest that (1) GABAergic interference with photoperiodic entrainment in the PMM initiates the photorefractory state and terminates the annual breeding season in temperate-zone birds, and (2) the PMM is a site of photoreception and photorefractoriness that controls the initiation and termination of avian reproductive seasonality.

A 9-month-old female Domestic Short-haired cat was presented with a mass of three-month duration at the base of the third eyelid of the right eye (OD). Fine-needle aspiration was carried out at another clinic, revealing clear fluid. The mass soon reformed, and the cat was referred. Ophthalmic examination revealed a pale-pink, smooth, oval mass under the conjunctiva on the anterior aspect of the third eyelid. Surgical removal of the mass was performed. Histopathology revealed a large dilated cyst together with a number of small cysts lined by simple cuboidal, and low squamous epithelium with some secretory cells. Dacryops of the third eyelid lacrimal gland was diagnosed. The eye healed uneventfully after surgery, and no recurrence was seen during one year of follow-up.

The objective of the present study was to describe clinical signs and histopathology of the conjunctiva after subconjunctival implantation with poly-lactic acid microfilm (PLA-M) and cyclosporine-containing PLA microfilm (CsPLA-M) in seven healthy dogs. A randomized, double-blind implantation of a PLA-M and CsPLA-M was performed in each eye. Ocular clinical signs and Schirmer tear test (STT) levels were determined on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, 60 and 90 after implantation. All implanted eyes had conjunctival hyperemia after implantation which eventually resolved within 90 days. Histopathological examination of conjunctival biopsy showed mild inflammatory cell infiltration. There was no significant statistical difference of conjunctival hyperemia scores, STT values or histopathological scores between the two groups. All devices remained under subconjunctiva at 90 days after implantation. These results suggested that the device was safe and well tolerated for subconjunctival implantation in dogs.

Visual evoked potential (VEP) is a useful technique for evaluation of optic nerve pathway and diagnosis of human Alzheimer's disease. Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is an age-related neurobehavioural syndrome which is commonly underdiagnosed in dogs. In the present study, VEPs were recorded from 28 Pomeranian dogs including 9 normal dogs aged between 1-8 years, 9 normal dogs aged over 8 years, and 10 dogs with signs of CCD. Brain atrophy in 8 CCD dogs was confirmed by CT scan. The other two dogs with signs of CCD had tumor which was confirmed by CT scan and cerebrospinal fluid. The VEP components of dogs over and under 8 years old were not statistically different (p>0.05). P2 and P3 of the dogs with CCD were longer than those of the normal dogs (p<0.05). The VEPs in dogs with CCD and tumor had different patterns. In conclusion, VEP is a promising tool for the diagnosis of CCD in aging dogs.

OBJECTIVE To survey and classify anterior ocular abnormalities in 1478 captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus indicus) in six regions of Thailand. METHODS Anterior ocular examination was performed in both eyes (n = 2956) of 1478 elephants selected from the annual health check program involving 2958 animals within six regions of Thailand from January to November 2013. Lesions were described and compared between age and gender. RESULTS A total of 17.83% (527/2956) of examined eyes from 24.97% (369/1478) of examined elephants had anterior ocular abnormalities. The most common lesions in these examined eyes were frothy ocular discharge (5.85%), corneal edema (5.31%), and conjunctivitis (5.18%). In addition, epiphora, phthisis bulbi, other corneal abnormalities, anterior uveitis, and lens abnormalities were noted. Almost all lesions increased in frequency with age (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Regular ophthalmic examination in elephants should be included in their annual health check program. Early detection and treatment of any ocular abnormality may avoid the development of subsequent irreversible ocular pathology.

Progressive rod-cone degeneration (PRCD) is one of several groups of inherited progressive retinal atrophy in dogs. This study aims to describe the characterization of phenotypic appearance and demonstrate the responsible gene mutation, including analysis of the allele frequency of PRCD in Poodle dogs in Thailand. All 10 Poodles with clinical signs of PRCD were identified by a history of progressive vision loss, an abnormal obstacle test, and fundic appearance. Genetic testing of PRCD gene mutation using the Polymerase Chain Reaction and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism technique was performed in all dogs. The result confirmed that all 10 dogs were affected. The affected Poodles had presented age at first examination at 8.9 ± 2.33 years. Typical findings of retinal changes were bilateral retinal degeneration with tapetal hyperreflectivity, retinal vessel attenuation and optic disc atrophy. The electroretinogram from 7 affected dogs revealed non-detectable wave amplitude and implicit time in the session of rod responses in all dogs whereas small wave amplitude of cone response was recorded in 4 dogs. Histopathological examination of an affected eye revealed the collapse of the nuclear and photoreceptor layers. A prevalence of carriers in 50 Poodles was 12% while the allele frequency of mutant allele was 0.1. Genetic finding of PRCD in Poodles in Thailand corresponds to the previous report whereas the age onset of dogs presented from this disease and the age at complete blindness are much later than previously reported.

The purpose of the present study was to establish normal electroretinogram (ERG) parameters using 56 normal eyes of four dog breeds common in Thailand: poodle, Labrador retriever, Thai ridgeback, and Thai Bangkaew. Standard ERG findings were bilaterally recorded using a handheld multi-species ERG unit with an ERG-jet lens electrode for 28 dogs under preanesthesia with diazepam, anesthesia with propofol, and anesthesia maintenance with isoflurane. There were significant differences in the mean values of ERG amplitudes and implicit times among the four dog breeds (p < 0.05) except for the b-wave implicit time of the photopic 30 Hz flicker response with 3 cd.s/m(2) (p = 0.610). Out of the four breeds, Thai Bangkaew had the longest implicit time (p < 0.001) of scotopic low intensity responses, b-wave of scotopic standard intensity responses (3 cd.s/m(2)), a-wave of the higher intensity response (10 cd.s/m2), and a-wave of the photopic single flash response (3 cd.s/m(2)). For the b/a ratio, only the ratio of the Cone response was significantly different among the different breeds. In this summary, normal ERG parameters for four dog breeds were reported. Data from the investigation supported the hypothesis that determination of breed-specific limits of normality for ERG responses is necessary for individual clinics and laboratories.