Outcomes of baervedlt implant surgery in 17 dogs (20 eyes) with primary closed‐angle glaucoma (2013–2019)

Abstract

Objective To report outcomes and follow‐up of Baerveldt implant surgery in dogs with primary closed‐angle glaucoma (PCAG). Materials and Methods Record review of client‐owned dogs with PCAG that underwent Baerveldt implant surgery during a 6‐year period. Postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), vision and daily number of anti‐glaucoma drops at fixed time points (3, 12, and 24 months) were compared with preoperative values; complications were recorded. Success was defined as IOP <20 mm Hg and a positive menace response and navigation/tracking ability. Results Twenty eyes (17 dogs) were included. Mean follow‐up was 575 days (range 30–1767 days) from implant surgery to last examination. Three months postoperatively 15/20 (75%) eyes had IOP <20 mm Hg and 14/20 (70%) eyes had vision. Twelve months postoperatively 11/17 (65%) eyes had IOP <20 mm Hg and 12/19 (63%) eyes had vision. Twenty‐four months postoperatively 8/14 (57%) eyes had IOP <20 mm Hg and 7/15 (47%) eyes had vision. Denominators differ between time points as eyes were included when duration after surgery reached the relevant postoperative time point or failure was documented earlier. Within 3 months postoperatively 16/20 (80%) eyes had ≥1 complication, including transient IOP >20 mm Hg (14/20; 70% eyes), fibrin (12/20; 60% eyes), and hypotony (4/20; 20% eyes). After 3 months, postoperatively 13/16 (81%) eyes had ≥1 complication, including cataracts (13/16; 81% eyes), bleb fibrosis (3/16; 19% eyes), and conjunctival wound breakdown (1/16; 6% eyes). One patient (1 eye) was euthanized for blindness and 5/20 (25%) eyes were enucleated. Conclusions The technique was effective in controlling IOP and maintaining vision in most dogs in this study.