Surgical correction of periocular fat pad hypertrophy in pot-bellied pigs

OBJECTIVE

To report surgical correction of hypertrophic periocular fat pads that cause loss of vision and behavioral changes in pot-bellied pigs.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective study.

ANIMALS OR SAMPLE POPULATION

Nine Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs.

METHODS

Medical records of nine pot-bellied pigs admitted between 1994 and 1997 for loss of vision associated with hypertrophied periocular fat accumulations were reviewed. Outcome was assessed by contacting owners 4 months to 5 years after surgery.

RESULTS

The most common clinical signs were related to impaired vision and included periocular dermatitis, lethargy, and aggressive behavior. Surgical removal of redundant periorbital fat and skin resulted in marked improvement in vision and behavior in all pigs. Overall client satisfaction was excellent.

[Weak vision and blindness in the dog--a retrospective study]

Clinical-ophthalmological and electroretinographic results were found, compared and evaluated in 73 dogs of 21 different breeds with signs of decreased vision or blindness. Cataracts were found in 51 dogs. In cases of non visible fundus electroretinography is an essential tool for evaluation of the retinal function. Otherwise clinical-ophthalmological examination is a sufficient diagnostic method, except for sudden acquired retinal degeneration (SARD). The pupillary light reflex is an important diagnostic criterion for evaluation of the reflex pathway, but has less importance for diagnosis of visual abilities. These can be examined by vision tests. In English cocker spaniels and miniature and toy poodles with cataracts a significant electroretinographic loss of retinal function was found. In respect to the breed and age of these dogs this functional deficit is recognized as a result of progressive retinal atrophy.