A description of blend electrolysis for treatment of canine distichiasis: 78 cases (2012–2017)

Abstract

ObjectiveTo describe a population of dogs treated with blend electrolysis for distichiasis at The Royal Veterinary College and report the complications seen.MethodsIn part 1, records were reviewed from 2012 to 2017 and a population of 78 dogs with distichiasis treated using blend electrolysis (Sterex SX-B blend epilator) analysed. In part 2, 18 dogs treated with blend electrolysis were re-examined prospectively by a diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ECVO).ResultsIn part 1, brachycephalic breeds accounted for 62 per cent. English bulldog was the most common breed (42 per cent). In this population, 88 per cent of dogs were successfully treated with one treatment of electrolysis (successful treatment defined as resolution of clinical signs). Forty-five dogs had recurrent distichia on follow-up, mostly fine distichia without clinical discomfort. Twelve per cent required repeat electrolysis. Complications were infrequent: five dogs had scarring or hypopigmentation of the eyelid margin. In part 2, 18 dogs were re-examined. Ten had distichia recurrence, six had eyelid scarring and five had depigmentation associated with electrolysis. Two dogs had occasional clinical signs thought to be related to distichiasis. All owners perceived their dogs’ ocular comfort to be improved following blend electrolysis.ConclusionsBrachycephalic breeds, most notably English bulldogs, are over-represented in this population. Blend electrolysis appears an effective treatment for resolution of clinical signs.

Distichiasis: An update on etiology, treatment and outcomes

“…Lashes that contact the cornea or ocular surface present with symptoms of watering, redness, and discharge. [ 17 ] In severe cases, they may also present with blepharospasm, reactive thickening of the bulbar conjunctiva, superficial punctate keratitis, or corneal ulceration, especially where the distichiatic lashes are long and the animal has protruding eyes. In few cases, corneal vascularization may also be present.…”

“…Various methods such as electrolysis, cryotherapy, laser ablation, or surgical excision have been employed with an overall success rate of 69%–88%. [ 17 ] The choice of technique depends on the location and extent of involvement. Manual epilation using round-tipped epilation forceps provides a short-term relief with almost invariable recurrence.…”

“…[ 16 18 ] The use of blend electrolysis (2–3 mA for 15–30 s) in 78 canines showed recurrence in 65% of eyes, lid margin scarring in 33% of eyes, and depigmentation in 27% of eyes. [ 17 ] Transconjunctival thermal electrocautery in 88 canine eyelids was successful in 69% of cases, with recurrence in 25% and emergence of new distichiatic eyelashes in 6% of eyelids. The average time taken for eyelashes to regrow after electrolysis varies from 11 to 192 days.…”

Epidemiology and clinical significance of canine distichiasis: A retrospective study of 291 cases

“…When the aberrant hairs are considered a source of ocular discomfort or the cause of corneal lesions, they can be removed via multiple surgical treatment options, including temporary manual epilation, eversion of the eyelid margin, and destruction or removal of the distichia follicle via cryosurgery, electroepilation, thermal electrocautery, or partial tarsal plate excision. [10][11][12][13] This study aimed to elucidate the epidemiological factors and clinical impact of distichiasis, including the prevalence of clinical signs associated with distichiasis, in a large population of dogs in France.…”

Corrigendum

“…In, 1 the authors would like to acknowledge Rick F Sanchez's involvement in establishing the standardised protocol that was used for all the cases reported in this paper and his contribution to the clinical management of some of the cases.…”