Chronic retinal detachment and giant retinal tears in 34 dogs: outcome comparison of no treatment, topical medical therapy, and retinal reattachment after vitrectomy.

The outcomes of dog's eyes with chronic (> 1 month) retinal detachment and giant retinal tears without therapy were compared with those treated with topical steroids and antiglaucoma medications, and with those that received a vitrectomy, retinal reattachment, endolaser therapy, and silicone oil tamponade. Fourteen of 16 eyes that did not receive therapy developed uveitis and secondary glaucoma, and were enucleated (4) or eviscerated (6); and 2 dogs were euthanized due to blindness and uveitis. Two eyes in 2 dogs remain without treatment, 1 and 3 years later. Fifteen of 19 eyes that received topical therapy developed nonresponsive uveitis and secondary glaucoma, and were enucleated (4) or eviscerated (9), 1 dog that was affected bilaterally was euthanized; and 3 eyes remain on topical anti-inflammatory therapy and the medication has been discontinued on 1 eye. Four of 6 eyes surgically reattached remain without clinical manifestations of uveitis and secondary glaucoma and 3 of these eyes have functional vision. Light microscopic observations completed on failed globes in the 3 groups were similar.