Evaluation of client perceptions concerning outcome of cataract surgery in dogs.

OBJECTIVE To compare client perception of outcome of phacoemulsification in dogs with information obtained from medical records. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. ANIMALS 108 dogs (203 eyes) undergoing phacoemulsification from May 1999 through April 2004. PROCEDURE Data obtained from medical records included signalment, presence of diabetes mellitus, cataract stage, whether surgery was unilateral or bilateral, intraocular lens (IOL) placement, and postoperative complications. Owners completed a survey concerning outcome of phacoemulsification in their dog. Survey responses from owners classified as satisfied or dissatisfied with the outcome of phacoemulsification on the basis of their willingness, in retrospect, to have the surgery performed again were compared. RESULTS Data from medical records and survey responses were available for 108 dogs (203 eyes). Median follow-up was 3 months via medical record review and 12 months via owner survey responses. Most (81%) owners were satisfied with outcome. The most common reason for dissatisfaction was loss of vision after surgery; however, most dissatisfied owners did not return their dog for examinations. Owner perception of success was not associated with patient age, sex, presence of diabetes mellitus, cataract stage, or IOL placement in at least 1 eye but was associated with perceived improvement of their pet's vision and activity level. Dissatisfied owners were significantly more likely to report that explanation of risks and complications before surgery was inadequate. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Owner perception of outcome after phacoemulsification in dogs was highly favorable. However, surgical risks and the importance of postoperative examinations, particularly in dogs undergoing visual deterioration, must be conveyed to clients.

[1]  Ann L. Johnson,et al.  Frequency of use of various procedures, skills, and areas of knowledge among veterinarians in private small animal exclusive or predominant practice and proficiency expected of new veterinary school graduates. , 2004, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

[2]  J. Serpell,et al.  Development and validation of a questionnaire for measuring behavior and temperament traits in pet dogs. , 2003, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

[3]  R. Dubielzig,et al.  A study of the morphology of canine eyes enucleated or eviscerated due to complications following phacoemulsification. , 2003, Veterinary ophthalmology.

[4]  P. Collinson,et al.  Pathology of canine cataract surgery complications , 2002, New Zealand veterinary journal.

[5]  Bristol Dg.  Using Alumni Research to Assess a Veterinary Curriculum and Alumni Employment and Reward Patterns , 2002 .

[6]  B. Osburn,et al.  Defining the attributes expected of graduating veterinary medical students, part 2: external evaluation and outcomes assessment. , 2002, Journal of veterinary medical education.

[7]  M. Christopher,et al.  Defining the attributes expected of graduating veterinary medical students. , 2001, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

[8]  P. Miller,et al.  Development of glaucoma after phacoemulsification for removal of cataracts in dogs: 22 cases (1987-1997). , 2001, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

[9]  W. L. Cron,et al.  Executive summary of the Brakke management and behavior study. , 2000, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

[10]  D. Brooks,et al.  Development of glaucoma after cataract surgery in dogs: 220 cases (1987-1998). , 2000, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

[11]  C. Murphy,et al.  Effect of intracameral administration of carbachol on the postoperative increase in intraocular pressure in dogs undergoing cataract extraction. , 1998, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

[12]  P. Hellyer,et al.  Respiratory function and extraocular muscle paralysis following administration of pancuronium bromide in dogs. , 1998, Veterinary ophthalmology.

[13]  M. Nasisse.  Principles of microsurgery. , 1997, The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice.

[14]  T. Glover,et al.  Surgery for cataracts. , 1997, The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice.

[15]  D. Brooks,et al.  Ocular hypertension following cataract surgery in dogs: 139 cases (1992-1993). , 1996, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

[16]  D. Williams,et al.  Current concepts in the management of canine cataract: a survey of techniques used by surgeons in Britain, Europe and the USA and a review of recent literature , 1996, Veterinary Record.

[17]  H. Erb,et al.  Intraocular bacterial contamination during cataract surgery in dogs. , 1995, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

[18]  J. D. Lavach,et al.  Comparison of postoperative phacoemulsification results in dogs with and without diabetes mellitus: 153 cases (1991-1992). , 1994, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

[19]  R. Peiffer,et al.  Use of biometry and keratometry for determining optimal power for intraocular lens implants in dogs. , 1991, American journal of veterinary research.

[20]  W. Corbett,et al.  Success rates of unilateral vs. bilateral cataract extraction in dogs. , 1990, Veterinary surgery : VS.

[21]  Boldy Kl.  Current status of canine cataract surgery. , 1988 .

[22]  Miller Tr,et al.  Phacofragmentation and aspiration for cataract extraction in dogs: 56 cases (1980-1984). , 1987 .

[23]  S. Krohne,et al.  Effects of flunixin meglumine and dexamethasone on aqueous protein values after intraocular surgery in the dog. , 1987, American journal of veterinary research.

[24]  Helper Lc,et al.  Extracapsular cataract extraction: an analysis of 240 operations in dogs. , 1985 .

[25]  J. Spreull,et al.  Routine lens extraction for the treatment of cataract in the dog. , 1980, The Journal of small animal practice.

[26]  W. G. Magrane.  Cataract extraction: a follow up study (429 cases). , 1969, The Journal of small animal practice.