Diode laser photoablation to correct distal nasolacrimal duct atresia in an adult horse.

The research revolves around a successful new surgical technique used to correct a birth defect in the tear duct of an adult horse, which was causing the animal’s eye to discharge. The method, which included the use of a diode laser and was performed while the horse was sedated, showed several advantages including shorter operation time and limited bleeding.

Context and Initial Findings

• An 8-year-old Hanoverian mare was brought in due to a chronic, pus-filled discharge from its left eye. Although the condition somewhat improved with the use of topical antibiotics, the source of the problem was traced to a blockage in the nasolacrimal duct — the duct responsible for draining tears from the eyes to the nose.
• Upon further evaluation, the horse was found to have distal nasolacrimal duct atresia, a congenital defect that rendered about 4 to 6 cm of the tear duct non-functional. This was preventing tears from properly draining from the mare’s eye.

Procedure and Results

• The horse was sedated and an innovative technique was attempted. A urinary catheter and a diode laser with a 600-μm diameter flexible bare quartz fiber were used.
• The nasal mucous membrane was successfully ablated directly above the tip of the urinary catheter, essentially creating a new nasolacrimal duct.
• To maintain this newly opened tear duct, a soft catheter was sutured in place for four weeks.
• Three months following the procedure, it was found that the new tear duct was working perfectly, providing the horse with much-needed relief.

Conclusions and Advantages

• This research paper documented a successful, novel surgical technique that corrected a congenital tear duct blockage in an adult horse.
• On comparing this particular procedure to traditional techniques, several benefits became evident. Not only was the operation duration significantly shorter, but the amount of bleeding during the procedure was also noticeably reduced.