Outcome of a lateral orbitotomy with resection of the orbital ligament for a globe‐penetrating foreign body in a canine

Abstract A 13‐month‐old, male, longhaired Whippet presented with a 1‐week history of unilateral exophthalmos and blindness. There was severe ocular and orbital inflammation, including panophthalmitis, retinal detachment and cellulitis. Computed tomography confirmed orbital inflammation, while ultrasonography identified an awn‐shaped foreign body extending from the cranioventral orbit to the posterior lens. Foreign material was successfully removed via a lateral orbitotomy. The orbital ligament was transected, avoiding the need for zygomatic arch osteotomy. Ten days post‐surgery, retinal reattachment was achieved. At final examination (460 days after procedure), the eye showed no evidence of anterior uveitis, was normotensive, and visual. Intraocular findings included a posterior cortical cataract, vitreous degeneration and chorioretinal scarring. This case underscores the importance of ultrasonography in detecting orbital foreign bodies, demonstrates successful surgical outcomes without zygomatic arch osteotomy, and highlights that remission of panophthalmitis and retinal reattachment can lead to regained vision.