TY - JOUR

T1 - Cataracts and phacoemulsification in the Siberian Husky

T2 - A retrospective and multicentric study (2008–2018)

AU - Uhl, Lisa K.

AU - Henriksen, Michala de Linde

AU - Saxmose Nielsen, Søren

AU - Gemensky-Metzler, Anne J.

AU - Sebbag, Lionel

AU - Todd, Jeffrey M.

PY - 2021

Y1 - 2021

N2 - Purpose: To compare cataract characteristics and complications related to cataracts and phacoemulsification in the Siberian Husky (Huskies) versus other canine breeds (non-Huskies). Animals: A total of 50 Huskies (92 eyes) and 96 non-Huskies (182 eyes) were evaluated. Methods: Medical records of Huskies (at four university veterinary hospitals, 2008–2018) and non-Huskies (Colorado State University, 2017–2018) diagnosed with cataracts were reviewed. Age of dog, cataract stage at presentation, and pre- and post-operative complications were recorded and analyzed. Results: Mean (±standard deviation) age at presentation was significantly lower in Huskies (3.5 ± 3.3 years) compared to non-Huskies (9.5 ± 2.9 years) (p <.0001). Huskies more commonly presented with hereditary cataracts than non-Huskies (84% versus 52%) and a significantly higher percentage of non-Huskies presented with diabetic cataracts than Huskies (48% versus 16%; p =.0001). Cataract stage at presentation did not differ between Huskies and non-Huskies. Phacoemulsification was performed in 40% (20 out of 50 dogs, 39 out of 92 eyes) of Huskies and 42% (40 out of 96 dogs, 74 out of 182 eyes) of non-Huskies. Pre-operative and post-operative retinal detachment were more common in Huskies than non-Huskies (13% versus 2% and 10% versus 1%, respectively) but the difference was not significant. Other post-operative complications occurred with similar frequency in both groups (p ≥.17). Conclusions: Huskies evaluated for cataracts were younger and less likely to present with diabetic cataracts than other canine breeds and, although not statistically significant, had a clinically important increased risk of retinal detachment pre- and post-phacoemulsification.

AB - Purpose: To compare cataract characteristics and complications related to cataracts and phacoemulsification in the Siberian Husky (Huskies) versus other canine breeds (non-Huskies). Animals: A total of 50 Huskies (92 eyes) and 96 non-Huskies (182 eyes) were evaluated. Methods: Medical records of Huskies (at four university veterinary hospitals, 2008–2018) and non-Huskies (Colorado State University, 2017–2018) diagnosed with cataracts were reviewed. Age of dog, cataract stage at presentation, and pre- and post-operative complications were recorded and analyzed. Results: Mean (±standard deviation) age at presentation was significantly lower in Huskies (3.5 ± 3.3 years) compared to non-Huskies (9.5 ± 2.9 years) (p <.0001). Huskies more commonly presented with hereditary cataracts than non-Huskies (84% versus 52%) and a significantly higher percentage of non-Huskies presented with diabetic cataracts than Huskies (48% versus 16%; p =.0001). Cataract stage at presentation did not differ between Huskies and non-Huskies. Phacoemulsification was performed in 40% (20 out of 50 dogs, 39 out of 92 eyes) of Huskies and 42% (40 out of 96 dogs, 74 out of 182 eyes) of non-Huskies. Pre-operative and post-operative retinal detachment were more common in Huskies than non-Huskies (13% versus 2% and 10% versus 1%, respectively) but the difference was not significant. Other post-operative complications occurred with similar frequency in both groups (p ≥.17). Conclusions: Huskies evaluated for cataracts were younger and less likely to present with diabetic cataracts than other canine breeds and, although not statistically significant, had a clinically important increased risk of retinal detachment pre- and post-phacoemulsification.

KW - canine

KW - cataract

KW - phacoemulsification

KW - retinal detachment

KW - Siberian husky

U2 - 10.1111/vop.12883

DO - 10.1111/vop.12883

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 33730445

AN - SCOPUS:85102556176

VL - 24

SP - 252

EP - 264

JO - Veterinary Ophthalmology

JF - Veterinary Ophthalmology

SN - 1463-5216

IS - 3

ER -