Corneal stromal abscessation in two horses treated with intracorneal and subconjunctival injection of 1% voriconazole solution.

The research article discusses the novel method of applying intracorneal and subconjunctival injections of voriconazole, an antifungal drug, in treating deep corneal stromal abscess (DSA) in horses. The study found this technique to be effective with lesser anesthesia times, minimal scarring, shorter healing times, and lower therapy costs.

Introduction and Methodology

• This research paper describes the application and evaluation of a new treatment for deep corneal stromal abscess (a type of eye infection) in horses.
• The treatment involves the direct injection of a 1% voriconazole solution in two locations around the horse’s eye – the corneal stroma (the dense connective tissue forming the bulk of the cornea) and the subconjunctival space (the area beneath the thin tissue layer that covers the front of the eye).
• The study is based on two cases involving horses that did not respond to conventional medical therapy. The outcomes of these treatment procedures were then assessed.

Results

• Both horses responded positively to the treatment, showing a resolution in the corneal stromal abscess and secondary uveitis (an eye inflammation condition).
• However, certain immediate complications arose from the intracorneal injection. These complications included a fracture in the corneal stromal lamella and an overflow of blood into the conjunctiva, both occurred in both horses. One of the horses also experienced a subconjunctival hemorrhage due to the subconjunctival voriconazole injection.
• Long-term complications include the occurrence of mild-to-moderate fibrosis, a thickening and scarring of the corneal stromal tissue.

Conclusion

• Despite the complications, the study concludes that intracorneal and subconjunctival voriconazole administration can be an efficient technique in treating unresponsive or relapsing DSA in horses.
• The paper suggests that this therapy results in a visually and cosmetically acceptable eye and may offer advantages over other therapies for equine DSA. Such benefits include reduced anaesthesia durations, minimal residual scarring, faster healing times, and lower treatment costs.