Ablation of excessive granular tissue of the third eyelid

Ella, an Alpaca, needed removal of excessive granular tissue of the third eyelid

Ella, an Alpaca from The Alpacas Of Spring Acres needed removal of excessive granular tissue of the third eyelid of both eyes, diagnosed by her veterinarian, Pamela G. Walker, DVM, MS, DipACVIM (LAIM) [pamwalker@hotmail.com] of Camelid Care Veterinary Services.

History

Ella has a familial history of dermoid cyst of the third eyelid as her dam had bilateral cysts surgically removed by Dr. Walker several years ago. When Ella was examined for similar ocular discharge she had very fine hairs present on the third eyelid and an attempt was made to remove but was unsuccessful. Blocked tear ducts are a common cause of ocular discharge in Camelids, and her tear ducts were flushed but the discharge and irritation persisted. Since surgical correction was unsuccessful initially and Ella had a previous history of fine hairs being present, diode laser surgery was performed this time to ablate any hair follicles and excessive glandular tissue.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Removal of excessive granular tissue from the third eyelid in alpacas, a procedure often necessary when there's a condition known as "cherry eye" or when excessive granulation tissue forms due to injury or infection, can be indicated by several symptoms. These symptoms not only cause discomfort but can also impair the animal's vision and overall well-being if not addressed promptly. Here are some of the symptoms that might necessitate this surgical intervention:

1. Ocular Discharge: An affected alpaca may exhibit abnormal discharge from the eye, which could range from clear to pus-like, indicating an ongoing infection or irritation.

2. Rubbing or Scratching at the Eye: Discomfort or itchiness caused by the irritation can lead to the alpaca frequently rubbing or scratching at the eye with its leg or against objects.

3. Blinking or Squinting: Increased blinking or squinting can be a sign of discomfort or an attempt to relieve irritation in the eye, indicating that the third eyelid is affected.

4. Impaired Vision: In severe cases, the excessive tissue growth can obstruct the animal's vision, leading to noticeable changes in behavior or navigation, such as bumping into objects or reluctance to move through familiar environments.

5. Swelling Around the Eye: The area around the third eyelid may appear swollen or protrude more than usual due to the buildup of granular tissue, making the third eyelid more visible or causing a noticeable mass.

6. Persistent Eye Redness: The presence of excessive granular tissue can cause continuous irritation and inflammation, leading to a noticeable and persistent redness in the eye.

These symptoms are signals that the alpaca is experiencing significant discomfort and possibly impaired vision, necessitating veterinary evaluation. If other treatments have been unsuccessful, diode laser surgery is a minimally invasive option to remove dermoid cysts or excessive glandular tissue. This procedure offers benefits such as reduced bleeding and quicker recovery times, making it a preferred method for addressing this condition in alpacas efficiently and effectively.

Ella, the patient

Preparation of the eye and stabilizing the third eyelid....

The settings on the J-Ray Laser for surgery

Diode Laser Surgery

Click on the photos or links below to open the videos of the surgery! Each may take significant time to download, so please be patient!

The prognosis looks good!

After 1 month, Ella’s eyes are still clear!

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