Surgical treatment of dacryocystitis caused by cystic dilatation of the nasolacrimal system in three dogs.

A 4-year-old castrated male Golden Retriever was referred for evaluation of intermittent purulent discharge from the right eye of 4-months' duration. A radiolucent area in the maxillary bone was detected on examination of skull radiographs. Dacryocystorhinography revealed pooling of contrast material in the radiolucent area. A rhinotomy was performed, and a large opening between the cystic structure of the nasolacrimal system and the nasal cavity was created. Epiphora resolved after surgery and had not recurred by 9 months after surgery. Two other dogs had cystic structures of the nasolacrimal system and were treated surgically to allow drainage into the nasal cavity.