Re: Bovine Eye Enucleation

mariette asselbergs — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 16:51:28 GMT

I do them just like you Alan. It helps if you have a large curved clamp. I do a ligature but also keep the clamp on until I have stitched most of the skin, then pack gauze with some local abx and let a bit hang out, then remove clamp and tie the last stitch (don't stitch the gauze!). I remove the gauze 2 days later and have had no problem with bleeds then.

Good luck

Mariette

Re: Bovine Eye Enucleation

Alan Tevendale — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 16:28:00 GMT

I've done a few of these ops and generally they seem to do extremely well. We've only had one that ended up with a nasty infection afterwards which the client nicely ignored and didn't tell us about until it was a little late for any further treatment to be worthwhile (rant over).

I've always used a bent spinal needle to provide retrobulbar local in combination with a ring block around the eyelids. Be prepared for plenty of haemorrhage although if they tissue is diseased enough then bleeding may be reduced - not generally a good sign for a quick post op recovery.

As far as landmarks are concerned I generally just try to follow the orbit in and behind the eye. I would also give a sedation as good restraint - both chemical and physical really help. Your other option would be the Peterson nerve block although I've never tried this - anyone?

I don't always pack the socket but if there has been haemorrhage then I would generally use some bandage and leave a small end protruding which can easily be removed.

Having said all that 'Farm Animal Surgery' by Fubini and Ducharme has a good description of the procedure. It's a great book for most farm animal surgeries. Appropriate title really!

Good luck, enjoy and let us know how you get on.