A defect in the NOG gene increases susceptibility to spontaneous superficial chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCED) in boxer dogs.

Background: Superficial chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs) are spontaneous corneal defects in dogs that share many clinical and pathologic characteristics to recurrent corneal erosions (RCE) in humans. Boxer dogs are predisposed to SCCEDs, therefore a search for a genetic defect was performed to explain this susceptibility. DNA was extracted from blood collected from Boxer dogs with and without SCCEDs followed by whole genome sequencing (WGS).

Clinical findings and outcomes for dogs with uveodermatologic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate signalment, clinical signs, treatment, and factors affecting visual prognosis in dogs with uveodermatologic syndrome (UDS). DESIGN Retrospective case series and nested cohort study. ANIMALS 50 dogs (37 Akitas and 13 non-Akitas) with UDS evaluated at 4 ophthalmology practices.

Retrobulbar pigmented peripheral nerve sheath tumor in a dog.

A 1-year-old male castrated Pug was referred for unilateral exophthalmos unresponsive to oral antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy. Clinical findings included exophthalmos of the left eye with lateral strabismus, resistance to retropulsion, and an elevated nictitans. Hematologic and biochemical analyses were within normal limits.

Equine orbital fractures: a review of 18 cases (2006-2013).

Objective: To review the clinical features, treatments, complications, and outcomes of horses with traumatic orbital fractures.

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Sample Population: Eighteen horses with confirmed orbital fractures.

Trans-corneal reduction of anterior lens luxation in dogs with lens instability: a retrospective study of 19 dogs (2010-2013).

Objective: To evaluate the success rate and outcome of trans-corneal reduction of anterior lens luxation (TR-ALL) in dogs with lens instability.

Animals Studied: Nineteen dogs with anterior lens luxation.

Procedures: Medical records of dogs with anterior lens luxation (ALL) were reviewed: dogs were included if TR-ALL was performed followed by medical therapy in the form of topical 0.

Characterization of fungal keratitis in alpacas: 11 cases (2003-2012).

Objective: To describe clinical, microbiological, in vivo confocal microscopic, and histopathologic features of fungal keratitis in alpacas and to estimate prevalence of the disease in a population of alpacas from the northeastern United States.

Design: Retrospective case series. Animals-11 alpacas.

Bilateral parotid duct transposition for keratoconjunctivitis sicca in a Connemara stallion.

A 7-year-old Connemara stallion was presented with a 4 month history of blepharospasm, recurrent corneal ulcerations, mucopurulent ocular discharge, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in both eyes unresponsive to medical therapy. Ophthalmic examination revealed lackluster corneas, axial corneal scarring and pigmentation with associated neovascularization, and absolute KCS in both eyes. Computed tomography scan and endoscopic evaluation of the upper airway and guttural pouches revealed no structural abnormalities to indicate neurogenic KCS.

Effect of short-term diphenhydramine administration on aqueous tear production in normal dogs.

Objective: To perform a randomized, placebo-controlled, masked clinical trial using a cross-over design to determine the effect of oral diphenhydramine on aqueous tear production in normal dogs.

Animals Studied: Seventeen dogs with normal ophthalmic examinations.

Procedures: Baseline tear production was established for each dog by performing Schirmer tear test I (STT I).

Periocular cutaneous mast cell tumors in cats: evaluation of surgical excision (33 cases).

Objective: To describe feline periocular cutaneous mast cell tumor (CMCT) clinical features, rates of local tumor recurrence and metastases, and cat survival time following surgical excision.

Animals Studied: Thirty-three cats with periocular CMCTs.

Procedures: Medical records of cats diagnosed with periocular CMCTs were reviewed; cats were included if CMCTs were surgically excised and the diagnosis confirmed by histopathology.

Acute blindness in dogs: sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome versus neurological disease (140 cases, 2000-2006).

Objective: To evaluate dogs with amaurosis and compare signalment, history, ophthalmic examination and neurologic abnormalities between dogs diagnosed with sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) versus neurological disease (ND). Animals Studied-140 dogs with acute vision loss and ocular abnormalities insufficient to account for visual deficits. An electroretinogram (ERG) was performed on each dog.

Sexual desire disorders.

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) and sexual aversion disorder (SAD) are an under-diagnosed group of disorders that affect men and women. Despite their prevalence, these two disorders are often not addressed by healthcare providers and patients due their private and awkward nature. As physicians, we need to move beyond our own unease in order to adequately address our patients' sexual problems and implement appropriate treatment.