Symblepharon with aberrant protrusion of the nictitating membrane in the snowy owl (Nyctea scandiaca).
Two young snowy owl chicks were presented with aberrant protrusion of the nictitating membranes. This was caused by conjunctival adhesions causing symblepharon secondary to a previous septicemia episode. While symblepharon has been noted in birds before, this unusual presentation of the nictitating membrane has not been reported. Surgical intervention ameliorated the clinical signs, allowing vision in one bird by removal of the nictitating membranes, a technique which appeared to have no deleterious effects on the ocular surface.
Williams
David L
DL
Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 OES, UK. DoctorDLWilliams@aol.com
Flach
Edmund
E
D000818:Animals; D000836:Animals, Zoo; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D003229:Conjunctival Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005141:Eyelid Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D009541:Nictitating Membrane; D018805:Sepsis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary; D020305:Strigiformes; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary