Effective Treatment for Canine Prolapsed Plica: What to

The nictitating membrane gland in dogs is situated beneath the nictitating membrane at the inner canthus, an area rich in blood vessels. This gland can experience excessive secretion, enlargement, and swelling due to mechanical injury from foreign objects, secondary or concurrent infections, and inflammation. This inflammation can lead to the gland's ductal orifice being blocked by inflammatory byproducts and other foreign bodies, causing the gland to swell and extend beyond the free edge of the nictitating membrane, resulting in a localized bulge.

In the early stages of the condition, the third eyelid swells due to infection, with the conjunctiva appearing red and may exhibit tearing. As the disease progresses, pink, fleshy tumors may appear at the corners of the lower eyelids in pet dogs, with some cases showing simultaneous tumors in both eyes. These tumors grow rapidly, often reaching peasized within 3 to 7 days, typically affecting one eye first, followed by the other. In some instances, only one eye may be affected.

During the illness, the conjunctiva becomes red and may tear, often leading to tears moistening the fur and leaving streaks. There is also a notable eye inflammation and discomfort, with increased eye discharge. Affected dogs may frequently paw at their eyes, potentially causing mechanical damage to the cornea or exacerbating eye inflammation. In advanced stages, purulent discharge may be present.

For treating affected dogs, 0.1% benzalkonium chloride or 1% boric acid can be used for disinfection and anesthesia. An instrument like a surgical forceps or hemostat is then used to gently grasp the hyperplastic nictitating membrane gland, pulling it out to fully expose the gland and the third eyelid. The gland is then clamped at the base where it meets the third eyelid, with great care to avoid injury to the third eyelid and to securely clamp the vessels.

Once clamped, an assistant uses surgical scissors to cut away the hyperplastic nictitating membrane gland, holding the hemostat for at least 5 minutes to ensure adequate止血 before releasing it. If excessive bleeding occurs, the hemostat should be kept in place until bleeding stops. After releasing the hemostat, 2 to 3 drops of chloramphenicol eye drops should be applied for antiinflammatory and antibacterial treatment, effectively preventing infection. Finally, a dose of 0.1 to 0.15 ml/kg of the anesthetic agent can be administered intramuscularly or intravenously to awaken the dog.

Postoperatively, chloramphenicol eye drops can be mixed with prednisolone eye drops for antiinfection treatment. The dosage is typically 1 to 3 drops, applied three to four times a day, for a duration of one week.