V-Prechop nucleodissection technique feasibility in the phacoemulsification in dogs with cataracts. Clinical aspects and specular microscopy

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the V-Prechop nucleodissection technique in the phacoemulsification in dogs and the clinical aspects and of the specular microscopy in the postoperative period. Fourty three dogs of different breeds, males and females, aged 3 to 10 years, with mature (n=22) and immature (n=21) cataracts were used. After surgery, patients were evaluated weekly for visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and endothelial corneal cell density (by non-contact specular microscopy) and quantitative flare (by laser flare photometry) during different periods. The “V-prechop” technique presented technical difficulties in implementation in patients with a mature cataract. In selected cases of patients with an immature cataract, the technique can be employed, as the nuclei are softer, allowing confection of the linear fragments in “V” to be performed. In addition, the eyes of dogs with a mature cataract presented more intensive postoperative uveitis, probably related to the greater difficulty in conducting the “V” nucleodissection. There was decreased endothelial corneal cell density in dogs with mature and immature cataracts. This occurrence was greater in patients with a mature cataract, given the increased intraocular manipulation and surgical time due to the difficulty in performing the “V” nucleodissection. According to the results obtained, the “V-prechop” nucleodissection technique can be indicated in selective cases of dogs with an immature cataract.