A combination of modified Kuhnt-Szymanowski and Celsus-Hotz techniques for correction of entropion and overlong lower eyelids in dogs (40 eyes)

Purpose

To describe a surgical approach to correct entropion and overlong lower eyelids in dogs by combining the Celsus-Hotz with the modified Kuhnt-Szymanowski technique.

Methods

Medical records of patients undergoing the described surgical procedure were reviewed. A semilunar-shaped piece of lower eyelid was excised and combined with an angled incision at the most lateral aspect of the wound. Adjacent to this incision a skin flap was mobilized to expose the subcutaneous tissue in the ventral aspects. A four-sided wedge resection was used to shorten the lid margin in variable positions. Following closure of the eyelid margin wedge resection, a wedge of equal width was removed from the lateral skin flap. Skin and subcutaneous tissues were closed in a routine fashion.

Results

All surgeries were performed by an ECVO diplomate or resident. The surgery was performed unilaterally in four and bilaterally in 18 dogs. Most common breeds were English Bulldog (n = 7), Saint Bernard (3), Rottweiler (2) and Cane Corso Italiano (2). Median age was 22 months (range 5-100 months). Median follow-up was 30 days (range 9-987 days). A single surgical procedure was sufficient to correct the entropion in 97.5% (39/40) of eyes.

Conclusion

The combination technique described is a suitable surgical procedure to simultaneously correct lower lid entropion and excessive eyelid length, with the added benefits of a stepped wound closure and a flexible lid margin wedge positioning.