Objective

To compare outcomes of various surgical techniques for correction of third eyelid gland protrusion in dogs.

Materials & Methods

Case records of 11 dogs presented to Small Animal Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran with protrusion of the gland of the third eyelid from December 2001 to March 2003 were reviewed. Data retrieved included breed, age, sex, and which eyes were affected. Duration of prolapse, surgical techniques utilized and final outcome of therapy were determined.

Results

Three surgical techniques were utilized for replacing the glands including: Moore purse-string technique, Moore -Lembert technique and pocket technique. The breeds affected were Boxer (1 case), Terriers (5 cases), Pekingese (2 case), Terrier-Pekingese (2 case) and Terrier-Spitz (1 case). A total of 15 eyes were affected. Four dogs had protrusion of the glands in both eyes. Of the dogs with unilateral disease, the right eye was affected in 3, the left eye in 4. Three eyes were replaced surgically using the Moore purse-string technique, while 3 eyes were replaced using Moore - Lembert technique. Nine eyes were replaced using pocket technique. The success rate of surgical replacement of the gland varied between techniques. Of the 3 glands replaced using the purse-string technique, none remained in place. The pocket techniques proved to be more successful, with all of the glands remaining in place.

Conclusion

The pocket technique is easy to perform, require little dissection, and returns the gland to a more normal position without altering the position of the nictitans.