MODIFIED LATERAL ORBITOTOMY FOR REMOVAL OF ORBITAL NEOPLASMS IN 2 DOGS

A simplified lateral orbitotomy is described that decreases surgical t ime and lessens tissue dissection, yet maintains the exposure to the o rbit provided by other orbitotomy techniques. The approach involves cu tting the orbital ligament, incising the temporalis aponeurosis from t he dorsal zygomatic arch, making parallel zygomatic arch osteotomies, and reflecting the zygomatic arch ventrally. Closure of the wound invo lves wiring the zygomatic arch back into place. This orbitotomy proced ure provides excellent exposure for removal or biopsy of orbital masse s. The use of this technique for surgical excision of orbital masses i n two dogs, one with an adenoma of the third eyelid gland and one with an orbital fibrosarcoma, and their subsequent management is described . (C) Copyright 1994 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons