Combination phacoemulsification and pars plana vitrectomy for retinal reattachment surgery in the Siberian Husky breed.

OBJECTIVE

To report the success rate and complications of combined phacoemulsification and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for treatment of cataracts and retinal detachment in the Siberian Husky breed.

ANIMALS STUDIED: Client-owned Siberian Husky dogs that underwent combined phacoemulsification and PPV at two veterinary referral centers.

PROCEDURE: Retrospective study of 16 Siberian Husky dogs that underwent combined phacoemulsification and PPV with a minimum 3-month postoperative follow-up. Signalment and preoperative ophthalmic examination findings, intraoperative findings, and postoperative visual status and complications were recorded. Functional success was defined as the maintenance or restoration of vision.

RESULTS

Seventeen eyes of 16 dogs were evaluated. Immediate postoperative anatomic success was achieved in all 17 eyes (100%), with functional success through the last known follow-up examination achieved in 88.2% of operated eyes (15/17). The most common postoperative complication was silicone oil migration into the anterior chamber (AC-SiO migration), occurring in 47.1% of eyes (8/17), followed by corneal endothelial decompensation and glaucoma each occurring in 17.6% of eyes (3/17).

CONCLUSIONS

Combined phacoemulsification and PPV is a viable option in Siberian Husky dogs with cataracts and preoperative retinal detachment. Visual success was achieved in 88.2% of eyes, with the most common postoperative complication being AC-SiO migration.