Use of a dermal biopsy punch for removal of ectopic cilia in dogs: 19 cases.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the use of a dermal biopsy punch for accurate and quick removal of ectopic cilia in dogs.


METHODS
This study reports the treatment of ectopic cilia detected in 12 dogs during the period from June 2002 to December 2004. Five cases were affected with ectopic cilia in the right eye, and five in the left eye, with two cases affected bilaterally. Nineteen ectopic cilia were detected in 12 dogs.


METHODS
The technique described in this study consists of using a 2-3-mm skin biopsy punch with the aid of an operating microscope.


RESULTS
No recurrence was noted in any of the cases. The presurgical blepharospasm due to the presence of the cilia resolved as well as uneventful corneal healing of any associated corneal erosions or ulcers.


CONCLUSIONS
This method offers a simple, practical alternative to the traditional scalpel procedure as described in the veterinary ophthalmic literature.
D'Anna
Nunzio
N
Ambulatorio Veterinario, Via Casetta Mattei 331, 00148 Rome, Italy. ndanna@libero.it
Sapienza
John S
JS
Guandalini
Adolfo
A
Guerriero
Alessandra
A
D000818:Animals; D001706:Biopsy / Q000662:veterinary; D002828:Choristoma / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D002923:Cilia; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005141:Eyelid Diseases / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / Q000662:veterinary; D011996:Records / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies