Development of glaucoma after cataract surgery in dogs: 220 cases (1987-1998).
OBJECTIVE
To examine postoperative ocular hypertension (POH) and other variables as predictors of the risk of developing glaucoma after cataract surgery in dogs.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
220 dogs that had cataract surgery.


METHODS
Medical records of 220 dogs (346 eyes) that had extracapsular cataract removal or phacoemulsification of cataracts were reviewed. With respect to glaucoma development, 8 variables were analyzed, which included development of POH, breed, sex, age at time of surgery, eye (right vs left), phacoemulsification time, intraocular lens (IOL) placement (yes or no), and stage of cataract development. Eyes developed glaucoma within 6 or 12 months of surgery or did not have signs of glaucoma at least 6 or 12 months after cataract surgery.


RESULTS
Of 346 eyes, 58 (16.8%) developed glaucoma after surgery. At 6 months, 32 of 206 (15.5%) eyes examined had glaucoma; at 12 months, 44 of 153 (28.8%) eyes examined had glaucoma. Median follow-up time was 5.8 months (range, 0.1 to 48 months). Mixed-breed dogs were at a significantly lower risk for glaucoma, compared with other breeds. Eyes with IOL placement were at a significantly lower risk for glaucoma, compared with eyes without IOL placement. Eyes with hypermature cataracts were at a significantly higher risk for glaucoma, compared with eyes with mature or immature cataracts.


CONCLUSIONS
Multiple factors appear to contribute to the onset of glaucoma in dogs after cataract surgery. Complications prohibiting IOL placement during cataract surgery may lead to a high risk of glaucoma development.
Biros
D J
DJ
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610, USA.
Gelatt
K N
KN
Brooks
D E
DE
Kubilis
P S
PS
Andrew
S E
SE
Strubbe
D T
DT
Whigham
H M
HM
D000818:Animals; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000662:veterinary*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014605:Uveitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary