Dacryops with extensive lacrimal and maxillary bone defects in four dogs

Abstract

Objective To describe and discuss ventromedial orbital lacrimal gland or duct cysts (dacryops) in dogs with extensive bone defects based on their symptoms, results of diagnostic imaging and histopathological examination, and therapy and discuss their potential origin based on the morphology. Animals studied Four dogs of different breeds, age, and sex were presented with a unilateral round, slow growing, indolent, and non‐tender process ventromedial to the nasal canthus of the eye. Procedures Transverse computed tomography showed a low‐density, non‐contrast‐enhancing cystic process ventromedial to the globe with extensive defects in the lacrimal and maxillary bones in all cases. The cystic character of the structure was confirmed by the aspiration of the brownish fluid without cellular and microbiological contents. For treatment, the cystic fluid was aspirated, and the sclerosing agent polidocanol was injected in three cases. Cystorhinostomy (nasal marsupialisation) was performed in one case as the first choice and in another case following failure of sclerotherapy. Histopathological examination of the cyst walls was performed in two cases and confirmed the diagnosis of dacryops. Results Follow‐up between 2 and 18 months showed no recurrence and very good to excellent cosmetic results. Conclusions Aberrant lacrimal gland or duct tissue with secondary development of dacryops should be included in the differential diagnoses of ventromedial orbital cysts. Large cysts near the lacrimal drainage system with extensive bone defects in dogs should be treated by nasal marsupialization. Treatments such as evacuation of the cyst and inducing sclerosis (sclerotherapy) should be reserved for exceptional cases.

Dacryops with dacryolithiasis in a dog

“…In the present case, the dog presented to the veterinarian at the age of 10 years, with the chronic medial canthal mass being present for at least the past 5 years. Recently, dacryops cases in dogs 3–11 years of age were reported to be accompanied by maxillary bone defects (Steinmetz et al., 2021).…”

“…However, the cyst in the Labrador originated from the lacrimal canaliculus (canaliculops), while in the present case, it originated from the glandular tissue and/or glandular duct (dacryops). Meanwhile, previous reports on canine dacryops did not include the formation of dacryoliths (Cullen & Grahn, 2003;Delgado, 2013;Lamagna et al, 2012;Ota et al, 2009;Playter & Adams, 1977;Steinmetz et al, 2021).…”