Burn JB. Treatment of corneal ulceration and bullous keratopathy using a nictitating membrane flap in two horses.
Vet Ophthalmol 2023;
26:155-160. [PMID:
36738127 DOI:
10.1111/vop.13062]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to describe placement of a nictitating membrane flap as a treatment for corneal ulceration and bullous keratopathy in two horses.
ANIMALS STUDIED
A 13-year-old American Saddlebred mare presented for severe corneal edema, superficial stromal ulceration, and a central bulla of the left eye. A 4-year-old Trakhener stallion also presented with a large axial bulla of the left eye with concurrent severe corneal edema and a deep stromal ulcer.
PROCEDURE
A complete ophthalmic examination was performed. Samples were obtained for corneal cytology, and both horses were started on aggressive medical therapy. Both underwent general anesthesia for placement of a nictitating membrane flap and a subpalpebral lavage system (SPLS).
RESULTS
Corneal cytology for each horse revealed a mixed bacterial population. Moderate Pseudomonas aeruginosa was cultured from the mare, while Aspergillus species and a few Enterococcus gallinarum were cultured from the stallion. The bullae in both horses resolved at 3 and 4 weeks and vision returned in the affected eye 4.5 and 3 months postoperatively at the last follow-up, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Aggressive medical management with concurrent placement of a nictitating membrane flap is effective to treat bullous keratopathy in two horses. The described treatments could be used to treat horses that develop severe or progressive bullous corneal lesions.
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