Combination phacoemulsification and pars plana vitrectomy for retinal reattachment surgery in the Siberian Husky breed.

OBJECTIVE: To report the success rate and complications of combined phacoemulsification and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for treatment of cataracts and retinal detachment in the Siberian Husky breed.

ANIMALS STUDIED: Client-owned Siberian Husky dogs that underwent combined phacoemulsification and PPV at two veterinary referral centers.

PROCEDURE: Retrospective study of 16 Siberian Husky dogs that underwent combined phacoemulsification and PPV with a minimum 3-month postoperative follow-up. Signalment and preoperative ophthalmic examination findings, intraoperative findings, and postoperative visual status and complications were recorded. Functional success was defined as the maintenance or restoration of vision.

RESULTS: Seventeen eyes of 16 dogs were evaluated. Immediate postoperative anatomic success was achieved in all 17 eyes (100%), with functional success through the last known follow-up examination achieved in 88.2% of operated eyes (15/17). The most common postoperative complication was silicone oil migration into the anterior chamber (AC-SiO migration), occurring in 47.1% of eyes (8/17), followed by corneal endothelial decompensation and glaucoma each occurring in 17.6% of eyes (3/17).

CONCLUSIONS: Combined phacoemulsification and PPV is a viable option in Siberian Husky dogs with cataracts and preoperative retinal detachment. Visual success was achieved in 88.2% of eyes, with the most common postoperative complication being AC-SiO migration.