title: Canine dacryolithiasis: a case description and mineral analysis.
abstract: A 4-year-old, female, spayed, Labrador retriever was presented with a painless swelling of the left ventromedial eyelid and epiphora of 3 months duration. Bilateral patency of the nasolacrimal system was confirmed by the appearance of fluorescein dye at both nares. Ultrasonography revealed a well-demarcated fluid-filled structure containing echogenic ill-defined material in close proximity to the nasolacrimal system. A transconjunctival surgical approach confirmed the close anatomical proximity of the cyst and the absence of a communication with the inferior canaliculus. The cyst contained multiple intraluminal calculi (dacryoliths). Following surgical excision of the cyst, the epiphora resolved and no recurrence was noted over a 12-month follow-up period. On histopathology, the cystic structure was lined by stratified squamous epithelium, consistent with lacrimal canaliculus epithelium. Presumed progression of a canalicular diverticulum to a cyst with the formation of intraluminal dacryoliths was suspected. Mineral analysis of the dacryoliths revealed a calcium carbonate composition.
authors.affiliation: Unit of Comparative Ophthalmology, Centre of Small Animal Studies, Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, UK. pedro.malho@aht.org.uk
authors.forename: Pedro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Malho
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sansom
authors.forename: Phillipa
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stewart
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D007766:Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D020347:Lithiasis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008903:Minerals / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D008903:Minerals