Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Vets treat cat's eyelid condition with human lip filler
Nala's eye before (left) and after treatment.

Novel procedure avoids the need for general anaesthesia.

A kitten suffering from crippling eye pain and corneal damage has been treated using human lip filler.

Domestic shorthair Nala was born with a condition called eyelid coloboma, a common abnormality of cats in which parts of the upper eyelid do not form. In Nala's case, there was a small section missing in her upper right eyelid. 

Eyelid coloboma can result in corneal exposure and trichiasis (contact of facial hairs against the corneal surface). In turn, this can lead to chronic discomfort and severe damage to the cornea due to ulceration and scarring.

When Nala was presented to Davies Veterinary Specialists, she was in considerable discomfort with her right eye tightly closed. Ophthalmology clinician Rachel Lockhart explained that, given the amount of pain Nala was in, she would need some form of surgical correction.

Current surgical options for eyelid coloboma aim to reconstruct the upper eyelid by moving portions of the lower eyelid or even the upper lip into the defect. However, these surgeries can be extensive and often need multiple operations.

Before committing Nala and her owners to surgery, Rachel suggested an alternative option - sub-dermal sodium hyaluronate filler injections, most commonly known as human lip-filler.

The procedure involves injecting the filler under the skin surrounding the defect to realign the skin hairs and divert them away from the eye. While only a short-term fix, it can be performed under sedation, avoiding the need for general anaesthesia.

“The filler is broken down by the body and the effect is technically only temporary,” Rachel explained. “But it may persist for many months in some individuals so it can afford a good level of comfort for a considerable time. 

“Eventually Nala may need definitive surgery but for the time being the filler is keeping her eye comfortable.” 

Commenting on Nala's transformation, owner Lucy Peacock said: “Nala was clearly suffering and really struggled to keep her eye open - it was devastating to see her looking so dejected. We were really worried about the potential damage that was being caused to her sight in the long term, but after just a small and unobtrusive procedure, she is like a different kitten! 

“Rachel was so helpful in talking us through our potential options and making recommendations for what was best for Nala. We felt really at ease with the whole process, and whilst we are fully aware that Nala may need surgery in the future, we are just happy to see her back to her mischievous, adorable self for the time being. I can’t thank Rachel enough.”

Image (C) Davies Veterinary Specialists.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.