Phacoemulsification of a unilateral immature cataract with lens regeneration in a juvenile ferret

Objective

To describe the clinical features of a ferret with a unilateral immature nuclear cataract treated using phacoemulsification and subsequent lens regeneration requiring an additional surgical procedure.

Animal

A 1-year-old, female-spayed, client-owned ferret was referred for evaluation because of a 1-month history of progressive unilateral ocular opacity in the left eye and infrequent ipsilateral blepharospasm.

Case description

On ophthalmic examination, the ferret had an immature nuclear cataract of the left eye with no other abnormal findings. An ocular ultrasound, electroretinogram, and unilateral phacoemulsification were scheduled 2 months after initial evaluation. At that time, mild pancortical cataract progression was identified with no additional new abnormalities. Apart from the cataract of the left eye, ultrasonography was within normal limits. Under preanesthetic medications, the electroretinogram revealed unremarkable b-wave amplitudes.

Treatment and outcome

Phacoemulsification was performed without complications. Histologic evaluation of the lens material did not reveal a specific etiology for cataractogenesis. Vision was restored in the operated eye, but blepharospasm recurred 4.5-months postoperatively. Ophthalmic examination revealed lens regrowth and anterior uveitis in the operated eye. Two-months of medical management improved uveitis and restored comfort. Lentoid irrigation and aspiration were performed routinely 6-months after the 1^st surgery. At the latest recheck, no new lens material was identified.

Clinical relevance

This case suggests that phacoemulsification is feasible in ferrets, with a good visual outcome in the short term. However, we observed lens regrowth that required lentoid irrigation and aspiration. Further studies are needed to investigate the prevalence of postsurgical lens regeneration as well as vision and comfort outcomes in the long term.