Modification of the orbital rim anchorage method for surgical replacement of the gland of the third eyelid in dogs.

Excision of a prolapsed gland of the third eyelid predisposes a dog to develop keratoconjunctivitis sicca later in its lifetime, and replacement, rather than excision, of the gland is the preferred method of treatment. One method of gland replacement involves suturing the prolapsed gland to the periosteum of the ventral orbital rim. As originally described, however, the procedure required that the surgeon make a U-turn with the needle and suture within the confines of the ventral fornix. This report describes modifications to the original technique that eliminate this difficult step and make it easier for the surgeon to obtain a secure bite of the orbital periosteum.