2025 Volume 44 Pages 27-34
To report a surgical technique and evaluate the effects of pedicle repositioning of a prolapsed gland of the nictitating membrane (PRPGNM), medical records of dogs that underwent such surgery between November 2014 and November 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The surgical technique involved suturing the repositioned nictitating membrane gland (NMG) pedicle to the sclera and bulbar conjunctiva. Tear volumes measured pre- and postoperatively at 12 months (recheck day: 10.6-16.6 months) using the Schirmer tear test I (STT-I) and STT-II were reviewed. Dogs with STT-I results at both evaluation points were included in this study. Dogs that underwent corneal or cataract surgeries during the postoperative 12 months were excluded. All included cases were evaluated for postoperative NMG re-prolapse. Thirteen eyes from 11 dogs were included. There were no significant differences between the pre- and postoperative STT-I (19.3 ± 4.3 and 19.5 ± 6.3 mm/min; P > 0.05, n=13) and STT-II (6.8 ± 5.8 and 8.6 ± 7.4 mm/min; P > 0.05, n=9) results. None of the NMGs re-prolapsed during the follow-up period. Therefore, it may be concluded that the PRPGNM technique successfully prevents re-prolapse without impairing the lacrimal function of the NMG and exhibits potential for the treatment of PNMG (cherry eye) without the risk of recurrence in dogs.
