Page 6 - paws-and-hooves-autumn-2024

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Page 6 - paws-and-hooves-autumn-2024
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Celebrity                                               The new fundus camera used
                                                               to examine Snowfake's eye


       reindeer's




       sight saved






       Since Snowflake’s recovery from skin cancer in her
       right eye, her owner Nick regularly checked for signs
       of its return and after noticing a mass on her left eye,
       he contacted his vet and Snowflake was referred to the
       RVC. The team used a pioneering camera funded by the     Dr Maria-Christine Fischer, Lecturer in
       ACT, and found an abnormal growth. While Snowflake’s     Ophthalmology at the RVC:
       sight wasn’t affected, there were signs that the tumour
       could lead to skin cancer.                                     “The real-time images of
       Reindeer, like dogs and cats, have a transparent third   Snowflake’s eye could be seen
       eyelid which helps keep dust away and it was this eyelid   immediately by staff and students,
       that was affected. While its removal could impact tear
       production, the risk of cancer made surgical removal     creating a unique and inclusive
       the best course of treatment. Snowflake was put under    learning experience.
       a standing sedation and her eye, and the surrounding
       area was numbed. Her calf stayed with her throughout
       the procedure, to help keep her calm and relaxed.     Lorraine Show. Naturally, reindeer reside in the Artic and
       The third eyelid was completely removed and after     experience huge differences in available sunlight as the
       testing, it was discovered that the tumour was cancerous.   seasons change. To adapt, a light-reflecting layer in the
       Believed to be the first surgery of its kind, Dr Maria-Christine   back of their eyes called a tapetum, changes from gold in
       Fischer, a Lecturer in Ophthalmology at the RVC, explained:   the summer to blue in the winter.
       "It’s rewarding that we were able to completely excise the   The Ophthalmology Team found it fascinating to observe
       tumour and did not have to remove the eyeball. It’s a very   Snowflake’s tapetum using the new fundus camera.
       good outcome”.                                        Funded with the help of our supporters, The Holliday
                                                             Foundation, the camera works independently of a
       The nine-year-old reindeer has appeared in TV shows
       such as EastEnders, Made in Chelsea, and The          computer. The camera enabled the team to take images of
                                                             the back of the eye, which contains the tapetum, the retina
                                                                                          and its blood vessels and
        Snowflake with her calf and the
        RVC team after her operation                                                      the optic nerve. Having
                                                                                          the camera meant that the
                                                                                          students, the anaesthetist,
                                                                                          and the whole team could
                                                                                          see these structures.

                                                                                          Snowflake fully recovered
                                                                                          and is now a grandmother
                                                                                          to calves Twinkle and Ivy.












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