POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS

Postoperative complications can include incisional infection, orbital infection, dehiscence of the incision, infection of the periorbital tissues, or progression of neoplasia. If purulent drainage is noted after extirpation, a portion of the incision may be opened to facilitate drainage and allow for orbital lavage using a dilute wound disinfectant solution. Antibiotic therapy is recommended until no evidence of infection is noted.

PATIENT MONITORING/AFTERCARE

The disease and surgical procedure will determine the severity of anti-inflammatory therapy required. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., flunixin meglumine 1 mg/kg IV) are given immediately before surgery, and the need for further anti-inflammatory drug therapy is based on clinical signs. Broad spectrum systemic antibiotic therapy is indicated, and the disease process will influence the duration of antibiotic therapy. Intra-orbital antibiotic therapy is not recommended because of the local tissue irritation that can be associated with these products. Systemic antibiotics combined with close attention to asepsis during surgery will limit the need for prolonged antibiotic therapy. The animal should be kept in a confined area for several days after surgery to allow for appropriate hemostasis to occur, pain to resolve, and the patient to adapt to their surroundings. Daily observation of the surgical site and assessment of general well-being is recommended until suture removal.

REFERENCES

Gionfriddo JR, Friedman DS. 2009. Ophthalmology of South American Camelids: Llamas, Alpacas, Guanacoes, and Vicunas. Current Veterinary Therapy: Food Animal Practice 5th ed. Anderson DE, Rings DM eds. Saunders Elsevier, pp 430–434.

Rubin LF. 1984. Large Animal Ophthalmic Surgery. In The Practice of Large Animal Surgery. Vol. II. Philadelphia, Saunders, pp. 1151–1201.

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