Development of an experimental model of feline glaucoma

P H. SANDE; R ROSENSTEIN; ALVAREZ J; IAQUINANDI A

Seattle

Congreso; Annual Meeting ARVO; 2016

ARVO

Purpose: Glaucoma in cats can represent a therapeutic challenge in veterinary ophthalmology. There are several shared characteristics in glaucoma among different species. However, many anti-glaucoma medications which are successfully used in humans and dogs, are not very well tolerated by cats, and therefore, the selection drugs is limited in this species. An experimental model of glaucoma in cats would facilitate the development of new therapeutic strategies for the disease in felines. In this context, the aim of this work was to develop an experimental model of glaucoma in cats.Methods: Four male spayed European shorthaired cats were subjected to diode laser (810 nm) photocoagulation of the trabecular meshwork in one eye, whereas the contralateral eye was subjected to a sham procedure. Ocular examination included Schirmer tear test measurements, fluorescein corneal staining, applanation tonometry (Tonopen Vet), biomicroscopy (slit lamp), pupil light reflex (PLR), and direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy. Results: Laser treatment induced a significant increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) at days 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 28 post-surgery as compared with sham-treated eyes. At 3 days post-surgery, slight episcleral hyperemia, mydriasis and aqueous flare were observed in laser-treated eyes. At 28 days post-surgery, no signs of inflammation were observed, mydriasis was more pronounced, and a significant decrease in PLR, and optic nerve cupping and atrophy were present in all laser-treated eyes.Conclusions: These results indicate that laser photocoagulation of the trabecular meshwork mimics the central features of feline glaucoma. This experimental model could constitute a fertile avenue for the development of new therapeutic strategies in feline glaucoma treatment.