Lateral Tarsorrhaphy and Fixation on the Orbital Ligament to Correct Macroblepharon in Dogs: 77 Palpebral Fissures.

Abstract

Purpose: To describe a surgical method for correcting lower lid entropion, lateral canthal entropion, and macroblepharon.

Methods: Lid margins were incised at a 45° angle, and lateral lid margins and a rhomboid shaped piece of skin were resected based on the degree of macroblepharon. Subcutaneous tissue was sutured with absorbable sutures and anchored to the orbital ligament with a non-absorbable suture to maintain lateral canthal position. A new lateral canthus was formed using a "figure of eight" technique with absorbable sutures, and the skin was closed with simple interrupted sutures. Complications were categorized as minor (wound infections, delayed healing) or major (orbital ligament detachment).

Results: Lateral tarsorrhaphy with orbital ligament fixation was performed on 77 palpebral fissures (PF) in 39 dogs, with English Cocker Spaniels and Great Danes being the most affected breeds. Most dogs were male (72%) with a median age of 23 months; 69% were under 50 months. Of the PF treated, 57 (74%) had no complications, 11 (14%) had minor complications, and 9 (12%) had major complications, including six cases of ruptured orbital ligament fixation and one case of unilateral entropion recurrence. One dog was euthanized due to severe complications from auto-mutilation and lack of compliance.

Conclusion: This surgical method effectively corrects diamond-shaped eyes, although complications can occur, especially in male dogs with excessive facial skin.