Evaluation of minor labial salivary gland transplantation for treatment of dry eye in brachycephalic breeds of dogs*

Abstract

Six brachycephalic breeds of dogs irrespective of age and sex presented to the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Mannuthy, and University Veterinary Hospital, Kokkalai, were selected for treatment of dry eye condition. All the selected dogs were Chinese Pugs (100%) and they were in good general condition. Clinical, physiological and biochemical parameters were in normal physiological range pre-operatively. On ophthalmologic examination, mean Schirmer Tear Test (STT) value was recorded as 10.00±0.93 mm/min and Tear Film Breakup Time (TBUT) was 4.66±0.33 sec and the other parameters like intra ocular pressure and results of visual function tests were normal. The dogs were thoroughly investigated by detailed clinical, haematological, biochemical and wet film examination prior to surgical procedure and underwent minor labial salivary gland auto-transplantation and evaluated at biweekly interval up to 60th post-operative day. The tear production and tear film breakup time had shown significant increase compared to pre-operative values. All the animals had recovered without any complications and the grafting procedure did not alter the vision and normal habits.

Keywords

• dry eye
• dogs
• brachycephalic breeds