Parotid duct transposition in a canine with unilateral dry keratoconjunctivitis

Abstract

A canine patient came in for consultation showing the following symptoms: four year old male, xoloitzcuintle breed, with abundant mucoid secretion, superficial vascularization, and dryness of the right eye. The dog was undergoing four months of medical treatment with antibiotic eye drops and steroids. Schirmer's test was used to quantify the aqueous portion of the tear film of the eye and the value obtained was 5 mm/min. Qualitative dry keratoconjunctivitis was diagnosed with that value. The parotid duct or Stensen duct was transposed using a closed technique. The external opening of the Stensen duct was located and probed with a black 2-0 monofilament nylon suture material. An incision was made around the papilla (mucosal collar), the duct was released by dissection and traction, and then a tunnel to the fornix was created directed at the released duct. Finally, the mucosal collar was fixed with four cardinal points. The dog was kept in an Elizabethan collar for 15 days. In addition, antibiotic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory eye drops were indicated during the first weeks. Evolution was positive. After 30 days the dog kept without superficial vascularization. Schirmer's test resulted in a value of 25 mm/min and the corneal surface improved in appearance. It was controlled by inspection and Schirmer´s test every three months up to one year maintaining values above 20 mm/min.