Transpalpebral exenteration in cattle: a retrospective study of 115 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the indications for exenteration and complications associated with the procedure.

ANIMALS STUDIED: 115 cattle.

PROCEDURES: Medical records of cattle presented for unilateral exenteration evaluated at the University of California, Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital from January 1985 through December 2015 were reviewed.

RESULTS: Median (range) age at presentation for all cattle was 6 (0.2-30) years. The most prevalent (80.9%) indication for exenteration was squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Cattle >5 years had higher odds (OR = 11.2, 95% CI, 2.8-45.8) for undergoing exenteration due to SCC compared to cattle ≤5 years. Herefords had higher odds (OR = 4.6, 95% CI, 1.5-14.6) for undergoing exenteration for SCC compared to other breeds. Holsteins had higher odds (OR = 140.7, 95% CI, 7.5-2644) for undergoing exenteration for retrobulbar lymphoma compared to other breeds. Complications following exenteration were reported in 15 cases (13.0%). The postsurgical complications were orbital abscesses (6/15), recurrence of SCC (5/15), wound dehiscence (3/15), and excessive hemorrhage (1/15). Median (range) time to occurrence of postsurgical complications was 19 (5-205) days. There was no significant association (P > 0.05) between ocular diagnosis, age, anesthetic technique or the suture pattern used to close the skin postsurgically, and occurrence of postsurgical complications.

CONCLUSIONS: Early clinical diagnosis of SCC by owners and veterinarians may prevent the need for exenteration. Owners should be made aware of the possible postsurgical complications following exenteration in cattle.