Sequential Ahmed valve implantation after primary implant surgery in two dogs.

OBJECTIVE

To report the outcomes of sequential Ahmed valve implantation in two dogs with uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) after primary Ahmed valve implantation.

ANIMALS STUDIED

A 6-year-old castrated male American Cocker Spaniel (case 1) and a 12-year-old spayed female mixed-breed dog (case 2) presented with glaucoma management in the left eyes of both dogs.

PROCEDURES

Primary Ahmed valve implantation was performed because of uncontrolled IOP despite antiglaucoma medications used in both dogs. The IOP was maintained within the normal range for 14 and 2 months after surgery in cases 1 and 2, respectively. In both cases, the IOP gradually increased, which was assumed to be caused by bleb fibrosis. In particular, in case 2, one bleb revision surgery was performed during that period, but it was unsuccessful. Therefore, we decided to perform sequential implantation surgery.

RESULTS

In case 1, hyphema occurred the day after sequential surgery and resolved with anti-inflammatory treatment. In case 2, it occurred immediately after the surgery and resolved after surgical blood clot removal. IOP remained below 15 mmHg, and menace response was positive until 40 and 23 months after the sequential surgery in cases 1 and 2, respectively. As a long-term complication, cataracts occurred at 17 months in case 1 and 10 months in case 2.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Sequential implantation surgery in the same eye could be an effective alternative for long-term IOP management and vision maintenance. A better understanding of complications and appropriate postoperative management is essential for better outcomes.