Third eyelid gland protrusion in dogs: an experimental model proposal

Abstract

The objective of this research was to present an experimental model for the prolapse of the third eyelid gland in male, adult mongrel dogs by the use of a periorbital glandular support conjunctiva tissue resection followed by macro and microscopic assessments. Length, thickness and width of normal glands were statistically studied at baseline and then again after a period of 30 days of exposition. In relation to the experimental model, 84.21% of glands, which underwent the resection of the conjunctiva support tissue, support tissue, remained protusioned. There were significant differences between normal and protusioned glands. Protusioned glands were larger in respect to length, thickness and width. For the microscopy studies, two experimental groups were established: non-treated protusioned glands (GI); and buried protusioned glands (GII). Glandular, conjunctiva tissue, and duct alterations were studied in both groups. Through the results obtained by the Schirmer's test, it was evidenced that the lachrymal production decreased when compared to the normal ones not protusioned, especially in those cases where the protusioned glands were not buried.