Outcomes of baervedlt implant surgery in 17 dogs (20 eyes) with primary closed-angle glaucoma (2013-2019).

Objective: To report outcomes and follow-up of Baerveldt implant surgery in dogs with primary closed-angle glaucoma (PCAG).

Materials And Methods: Record review of client-owned dogs with PCAG that underwent Baerveldt implant surgery during a 6-year period. Postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), vision and daily number of anti-glaucoma drops at fixed time points (3, 12, and 24 months) were compared with preoperative values; complications were recorded. Success was defined as IOP <20 mm Hg and a positive menace response and navigation/tracking ability.

Results: Twenty eyes (17 dogs) were included. Mean follow-up was 575 days (range 30-1767 days) from implant surgery to last examination. Three months postoperatively 15/20 (75%) eyes had IOP <20 mm Hg and 14/20 (70%) eyes had vision. Twelve months postoperatively 11/17 (65%) eyes had IOP <20 mm Hg and 12/19 (63%) eyes had vision. Twenty-four months postoperatively 8/14 (57%) eyes had IOP <20 mm Hg and 7/15 (47%) eyes had vision. Denominators differ between time points as eyes were included when duration after surgery reached the relevant postoperative time point or failure was documented earlier. Within 3 months postoperatively 16/20 (80%) eyes had ≥1 complication, including transient IOP >20 mm Hg (14/20; 70% eyes), fibrin (12/20; 60% eyes), and hypotony (4/20; 20% eyes). After 3 months, postoperatively 13/16 (81%) eyes had ≥1 complication, including cataracts (13/16; 81% eyes), bleb fibrosis (3/16; 19% eyes), and conjunctival wound breakdown (1/16; 6% eyes). One patient (1 eye) was euthanized for blindness and 5/20 (25%) eyes were enucleated.

Conclusions: The technique was effective in controlling IOP and maintaining vision in most dogs in this study.