Stent‐Assisted Surgical Creation of a Ductal Drainage Tract in the Third Eyelid Gland for Treatment of Postoperative Lacrimal Cyst of the Nictitating Membrane in a Dog

OBJECTIVE: To describe a surgical technique of stent-assisted creation of a ductal drainage tract in the third eyelid gland, combined with mitomycin-C application, for the treatment of recurrent lacrimal cyst of the nictitating membrane (LCNM) in a referred dog. ANIMAL STUDIED: A client-owned 8-month-old castrated male Maltese dog (3.6 kg) with recurrent LCNM following conjunctival pocket technique for PNMG repair. PROCEDURES: Following two recurrences after surgical cyst drainage via intentional incision, stent-assisted ductal tract creation was performed, incorporating mitomycin-C (0.4 mg/mL) application and temporary placement of a 3-French cat catheter as a ductal stent. The stent was removed at the one-week recheck due to a stent-related corneal ulcer, 1 week earlier than planned. RESULTS: A focal central superficial corneal ulcer attributed to mechanical contact with the catheter stent was identified at the one-week recheck and necessitated early stent removal; the ulcer resolved with topical antibiotic therapy. At the three-week recheck, mild nictitating membrane (NM) elevation and incomplete ductal patency were noted. By the six-week recheck, NM protrusion and conjunctival hyperemia had resolved and corticosteroid therapy was discontinued. No cyst recurrence was observed over 4 months, and the created ductal tract remained patent. CONCLUSION: This technique achieved resolution of recurrent LCNM and maintained ductal patency over 4 months. Stent-related corneal contact necessitated early stent removal. The suture-free nature suggests this technique may be performed without dedicated surgical microscopy, potentially broadening its applicability in general practice.