© 2007 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists Veterinary Ophthalmology (2007) 10, 3, 196–198 Blackwell Publishing Inc CASE REPORT Acute blindness in a dog caused by an explosive blast Michal Shelah,* Dov Weinberger† and Ron Ofri* *Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel; †Ophthalmology Department, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikwa, Israel Abstract A 3-year-old, intact male, mixed breed dog was presented with a complaint of acute blindness. Ten days previously, the area where the dog was walking came under a rocket attack, and a rocket landed and exploded 300 meters away from the dog. Physical examination was unremarkable. Ophthalmoscopic examination revealed posterior segment fibrin clots and extensive vitreal hemorrhage in the right eye. A total retinal detachment (360° retinal dialysis) with no evidence of hemorrhage was noted in the left eye. There was no sign of any penetrating ocular trauma, and it was assumed that the posterior segment findings were primary injuries caused by the blast wave itself. Following anti-inflammatory treatment, partial vision was restored in the right eye. Surgical re-attachment of the retina was discussed and declined by the owner. This report describes, for the first time, vitreal hemorrhage and retinal detachment as the sole injuries caused by an explosive blast wave. Key Words: blast, blindness, dog, retinal detachment, trauma, vitreal hemorrhage Address communications to: Ron Ofri Tel.: +972 5 24282523 Fax: +972 8 9467940 e-mail: ofri@agri.huji.ac.il CASE REPORT A 3-year-old, intact male, mixed breed dog was presented to the Ophthalmology Service, Koret School of Veterinary Medicine (KSVM), Hebrew University of Jerusalem, with a complaint of acute blindness. Ten days prior to presentation, during recent fighting between Israel and Hizballah in northern Israel and southern Lebanon, the dog and its owner were sitting on the beach of the Sea of Galilee when the area came under a rocket attack. The dog, apparently confused by the noise, ran towards an incoming rocket and was approxi- mately 300 meters from it when it landed and exploded. Fol- lowing the blast, the dog was disoriented, and upon recovery began displaying behavioral signs of blindness, as it bumped into objects. The owner also noted ‘excessive tearing, swelling and red eyes’ consistent with epiphora, chemosis and con- gestion of conjunctival vessels in both eyes. The dog was examined 2 days later by a general practitioner, who diagnosed a posterior segment problem. The veterinarian prescribed oral prednisone, 7.5 mg (1.875 mg/ kg) q 24 h and doxycycline 50 mg (12.5 mg/kg) q 24 h, and referred the dog to KSVM. The dog presented at KSVM a week later, by which time the owner reported that the epiphora, chemosis and congestion had largely resolved, and some vision had been regained. A complete physical examination was performed and did not reveal any abnormalities (except for the ocular findings). Results of a complete blood count were within normal limits, and no evidence of fragmented red blood cells or schistocytes indicative of microangiopathy was noted in the blood smear. An ultrasonographic examination of the abdomen revealed no evidence of any internal organ damage. Although an MRI was not performed, there were no neurologic or neuro- ophthalmologic signs to indicate additional head trauma. Menace response was present OD and absent OS. Direct pupillary light reflex (PLR) was normal OD, and slow (but full) OS. Both consensual PLRs and dazzle reflexes were present. Except for iridal congestion OS, no adnexal or anterior segment abnormalities were noted in either eye. Ophthalmoscopic examination revealed posterior chamber fibrin clots and extensive vitreal hemorrhage OD, and fundus details were blurry (Fig. 1). A total retinal detachment (360 ° retinal dialysis) with no evidence of hemorrhage was noted OS (Fig. 2). Intraocular pressure was 19 mmHg OD and 21 mmHg OS. An ocular ultrasound was performed, revealing a picture that was consistent with the funduscopic findings. The dog was discharged with prednisone (generic, Rekah, Israel) 1.25 mg / kg q 12 h for 1 week, then 5 mg q 24 for 1 week, followed by 5 mg q 48 h for 1 week, famotidine (Gastro 10, Unipharm, Israel) 1.25 mg/kg q 12 h for 3 weeks and dexamethasone sodium phosphate 0.1% eye drops (Sterodex, Fischer Pharmaceutical Laboratories, Israel), q 8 h, bilaterally, for 3 weeks. It was re-examined a week later. The owner reported polyuria, polydypsia and polyphagia, all of