Groundbreaking eye surgery for Cocker Spaniel

Valley Farm Animal Hospital on Old Farm Road in Faerie Glen has given an elderly Cocker Spaniel another chance at proper vision following groundbreaking human eye device implant surgery.

The surgery apparently is the first in South Africa and Africa, while being the fourth in the world.

The loving 12-year-old Bella has made history as the first non-human recipient of a human eye implant device to control debilitating glaucoma in the country.

Glaucoma occurs when pressure inside the eyeball becomes too high and damages the delicate structures at the back of the eye.

It typically occurs when fluid builds up inside the eye, causing substantial pain and potentially leading to irreversible blindness. Glaucoma’s insidious onset complicates early diagnoses.

According to Valley Farm Animal Hospital spokesperson Beaulah Zeiler, a year ago, Bella was diagnosed with bilateral lens luxation, which is the dislocation of the lens inside the eye, leading to significant discomfort.

Bella was placed on a treatment plan and closely monitored by her veterinarian.

“During a follow-up visit, the veterinarian discovered that Bella had glaucoma in her left eye.”

Zeiler said due to the severity of the damage caused by glaucoma, Bella’s left eye had to be urgently surgically removed.

“A couple of months later, Bella’s owner noticed that her remaining eye showed similar signs as her left eye before it was removed. Bella was examined by her vet, who suspected that glaucoma was developing in her remaining eye.”

Zeiler said this news came as a huge shock to Bella’s owner, who thought they were past the worst.

The veterinarian started immediate medical treatment and referred Bella to Valley Farm Animal Hospital for alternative treatment options.

Dr Lo-An Odayar, an ophthalmology specialist, was consulted.

“After examining Bella and conducting diagnostic tests, Odayar confirmed the diagnosis made by the referring veterinarian, which indicated that Bella had developed glaucoma in her remaining eye. It became evident that the medical management was not working for Bella’s remaining eye.”

She said Bella’s caring owner requested that alternative treatment be attempted to avoid removing the remaining eye.

The doctor conducted research and found that the Paul Glaucoma Implant (PGI), designed for treating glaucoma in humans, has a potential veterinary application.

She said the owner agreed for Bella to receive the implant and surgery was scheduled without delay.

“The owner understood that the surgery would be the first of its kind in Africa and only the fourth ever done worldwide on animals. After all, the PGI device was designed for humans,” she said.

Odayar led a team of surgeons and anaesthetists to implant the PGI device into Bella’s eyeball.

The device is designed to drain the fluid build-up within the affected eyeball into the eye socket, thereby regulating the intraocular pressure in the eye.

“Thankfully, the surgery was without complications. However, Bella had to be closely monitored by the hospital care team and specialists in the high care ward to evaluate how she was responding to the implant and the accompanying treatment.”

After two weeks of recovery and treatment, the procedure was reported a success.

Zeiler said the success of this surgery has opened up new possibilities for treating the condition in animals.

“We want to express our gratitude to SOS (surgical and ophthalmic supplies) for providing these amazing implants.”

Zeiler said the hospital is very privileged to have met the brave Bella and her very caring mommy.

“We are so happy that we were able to help save your vision.

We wish you a speedy recovery.”

Signs to look out for if you suspect your pet might have glaucoma:

– Mydriasis (dilated pupil)

– Mild transient corneal oedema (cornea haziness)

– Variable episcleral congestion (white of the eye going red)

– Mild, progressive vision loss (blindness)

– Buphthalmos (swollen eyeball)

– Lens subluxation (diagnosis required by a veterinarian)

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