Affiliation:
1. Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University Seoul Korea
2. TIME Animal Medical Center Daejeon Korea
Abstract
AbstractObjectiveTo describe the hyperproliferation of Elschnig pearl‐type posterior capsule opacification and concurrent uveitis in two canine eyes after phacoemulsification, followed by spontaneous resolution of the Elschnig pearls.Animal StudiedA 10‐year‐old castrated male Spitz (Case 1) and a 4‐year‐old spayed female Bichon Frise (Case 2).ProcedureElschnig pearls proliferating beyond the anterior capsulotomy site were observed in the right eye 10 months after bilateral diabetic cataract surgery (Case 1) and 7 months after unilateral cataract surgery (Case 2). In both cases, hyperproliferation occurred where the anterior capsule did not overlap with the intraocular lens (IOL), and was accompanied by aqueous flare. In Case 1, the pearls extended from the anterior capsule and adhered to the iris, causing focal posterior synechia. No other possible causes of uveitis were apparent.ResultsInitially, uveitis severity improved after the administration of topical and systemic anti‐inflammatory drugs. However, uveitis recurred when the dosage of anti‐inflammatory treatment was reduced. The Elschnig pearls underwent morphological changes throughout the follow‐up period. In both cases, the pearls beyond the anterior capsulotomy resolved spontaneously after 5 months. Only a few pearls remained between the IOL and posterior capsule, and no recurrence of pearl proliferation was observed at the last follow‐up.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of spontaneous Elschnig pearl regression in dogs. Lens‐induced uveitis (LIU) may have been caused by anterior chamber hyperproliferative pearls. LIU associated with hyperproliferative pearls may be managed with appropriate anti‐inflammatory treatment and monitoring.