The use of semiconductor diode laser for deflation and coagulation of anterior uveal cysts in dogs, cats and horses: a report of 20 cases.

The recorded study evaluates the effectiveness of using a semiconductor diode laser for treating anterior uveal cysts in animals such as dogs, horses and cats. The surgical technique was applied on a total of 20 cases, and the results suggest that the method is safe, effective, and non-invasive.

Presenting Clinical Cases

The research examined the cases of four dogs, nine horses, and seven cats, all diagnosed with anterior uveal cysts. These cysts were large and/or numerous enough to potentially affect vision, damage the corneal endothelium, or escalate intraocular pressure (IOP). Some animals even presented unique behaviour related to their condition. For example, one dog exhibited ‘fly biting’ behaviour, and seven horses were suspected of shying on the affected side or exhibiting head-shaking behaviour.

• In dogs, cysts were found floating freely within the anterior chamber.
• In horses, they occurred within the corpora nigrum.
• In cats, they were present on the posterior iris surface. Cats also exhibited a shallower anterior chamber and dyscoria (abnormal pupil shapes). Cats were more likely than dogs and horses to have bilateral and multiple cysts.

Application of Diode Laser Surgery

The rectification required either general anaesthesia or none at all, dependent on the animal species. Two dogs and all horses were treated without general anaesthesia whereas two dogs and all cats underwent the procedure under general anaesthesia. The researchers used a diode laser to perforate, deflate, and coagulate the cysts.

Outcomes of the Surgery

Post-operative results were broadly positive.

• All the animals reportedly experienced no discomfort or significant inflammation after the surgery.
• The need for topical or systemic anti-inflammatory therapy was minimal or non-existent.
• Abnormal behaviour observed prior to surgery improved or disappeared across all cases.
• In all cats, the IOP 24 hours after photocoagulation was lower than the post-dilation IOP, suggesting an improvement in intraocular pressure.
• There were no cyst recurrences though new cysts were discovered in some cases.

Conclusions

The application of semiconductor diode laser coagulation of anterior uveal cysts was concluded to be safe, effective, and non-invasive. The treatment method proved to be successful in all the studied cases of dogs, horses and cats. However, recurrence of new cysts was noticed in a few cases, indicating a need for further studies on prevention.