Complications associated with use of a one-hole subpalpebral lavage system in horses: 150 cases (1977-1996).

The research studies the type and frequency of complications with the use of a one-hole subpalpebral lavage (a medical device used for delivering medication to the eyes) system in horses. The complications were not related to installation, maintenance, or removal but were often minor issues such as eyelid swelling or damage to the lavage system.

Methodology

• The study looks into the medical records of 150 horses who had a total of 156 subpalpebral lavage (SPL) systems in place.
• The research included details like primary complaint, method used for placement, how long the SPL system was in use, and complications associated with it.

Results

• The research found no complications related to the placement, maintenance, or removal of 42% of the SPL systems.
• However, minor complications were reported in association with 34% of the SPL systems, and serious complications were seen with 24% of them.
• The most common minor issues were mild eyelid swelling (31 horses), the tearing of SPL system tubing (20 horses), and the loss of the injection cap (30 horses).
• Serious complications included premature removal and potential replacement required due to problems with the SPL system (26 horses), the horse removing the system itself (6 horses), eyelid infection (4 horses), loss of the footplate in the eyelid (5 horses), and cornea ulceration (1 horse).

Conclusions

• The study concludes that giving careful attention to the sizing of the footplate and the placement of the SPL system in the horse’s eyelid could help reduce the risk of serious complications.
• The minor swelling of the eyelid can be expected in the first 48 hours post-placement of the SPL system.