title: Use of a dermal biopsy punch for removal of ectopic cilia in dogs: 19 cases.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Ambulatorio Veterinario, Via Casetta Mattei 331, 00148 Rome, Italy. ndanna@libero.it
authors.forename: Nunzio
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: D'Anna
authors.forename: John S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Sapienza
authors.forename: Adolfo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Guandalini
authors.forename: Alessandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Guerriero
mesh_terms: 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