Using subpalpebral lavage systems to deliver ocular drugs to 4 fractious dogs

Applying topical medication is paramount when treating ocular surface disease and can prove challenging in fractious dogs. In equine ophthalmology, the use of subpalpebral lavage systems is commonplace with a low risk of complications (Sweeney and Russell, 1997). The use of ocular lavage kits has since been described in people (Meallet, 2006), llamas and a harbour seal (Borkowski et al, 2007). However, to the author's knowledge the use of this drug delivery technique has not been reported in dogs. This case series will describe the use of subpalpebral lavage systems in dogs with special emphasis on the placement technique. Case descriptions

A male neutered Springer spaniel aged 7 years 11 months old presented with a non-healing ulcer in the right eye of 3 weeks' duration. According to the history, the dog had undergone multiple cotton-bud debridements and a grid keratotomy before referral. A bandage lens had been placed by the referring vet and removed 2 weeks after the grid keratotomy. The referring vet's topical medical treatment plan included chloramphenicol four times a day and oral meloxicam once a day. Upon presentation, there was marked blepharospasm in the right eye, copious amounts of mucoid discharge from the medial canthus, enophthalmos and third eyelid protrusion. There was mild conjunctival hyperaemia and chemosis, mild pancorneal oedema and a central superficial corneal ulcer with no signs of stromal infiltration. The remaining posterior segment of the right eye and examination of the left eye were unremarkable.