Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction Caused by Dacryolith With Secondary Infectious Dacryocystitis in a Cat: A Case Report.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical features, diagnostic imaging, surgical management, and mineralogical findings of a nasolacrimal duct (NLD) obstruction caused by a dacryolith with secondary infectious dacryocystitis in a cat.

METHODS

A 6-month-old European Shorthair male cat was presented with chronic mucopurulent discharge from the right eye. Ophthalmic examination, NLD irrigation, computed tomography (CT), dacryocystotomy, bacterial culture, and mineral analysis were performed.

RESULTS

CT revealed a calcified opacity in the right NLD consistent with a dacryolith. Simple CT identified the calcification, and CT-dacryocystorhinography (CT-DCG) confirmed a filling defect at this site while showing partial duct patency. Dacryocystotomy allowed removal of a tan, firm, mineralized concretion composed of calcium phosphate. Pasteurella sp. was cultured from the surrounding exudate. Clinical signs resolved postoperatively, with no recurrence observed at 8-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

This case documents the first reported feline dacryolith, underscoring the diagnostic value of advanced imaging and the therapeutic benefit of dacryocystotomy. Although the mineral composition is established, the pathogenesis remains unclear.