Complications associated with use of a one-hole subpalpebral lavage system in horses: 150 cases (1977-1996)
Sweeney, C.R.; Russell, G.E.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 211(10): 1271-1274
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 9373364 Document Number: 470428
Records for 150 horses in which a subpalpebral lavage (SPL) system was used were reviewed. 156 SPL systems were used in total. Complications were not associated with placement, maintenance, or removal of 66 of 156 (42%) SPL systems. A minor complication was reported in association with 53 (34%) SPL systems, and a serious complication was reported in association with 37 (24%). The most common minor complications were mild swelling of the eyelid (31 horses), tearing of SPL system tubing (20), and loss of the injection cap (30). Serious complications included problems with the SPL system requiring its premature removal and possible replacement (26 horses), removal of the SPL system by the horse (6), infection of the eyelid (4), loss of the footplate in the eyelid (5), and cornea ulceration (1). It is suggested that attention to the size of the footplate and placement of the SPL system in the eyelid should decrease the risk of serious complications. Minor eyelid swelling should be expected in the first 48 hours after SPL system placement.