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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Ophthalmol / Descemet’s membrane detachments, ruptures, and separat...
Veterinary ophthalmology2020; 23(4); 611-623; doi: 10.1111/vop.12793

Descemet’s membrane detachments, ruptures, and separations in ten adult horses: Clinical signs, diagnostics, treatment options, and preliminary results.

Abstract: To describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging results, and treatment outcomes of a series of presumed spontaneous Descemet's membrane detachments (DMD), ruptures, or separations (DMRS) in the adult horse. Methods: Ten adult horses of various breeds with DMD or DMRS. Methods: Descemet's membrane detachments/DMRS were diagnosed via slit lamp biomicroscopy, ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), and/or optical coherence tomography (OCT). Penetrating keratoplasty (PK) with heterologous corneal donor tissue (n = 1), superficial lamellar keratectomy, and Gundersen inlay flaps alone (GF, n = 1) or with subsequent intracamerally assisted corneal tissue welding (CTW, n = 2), or CTW alone (n = 5) were performed in 9/10 horses. One horse underwent spontaneous resolution (n = 1). Results: Ten horses were diagnosed with either unilateral DMD (n = 4) or DMRS (n = 6). Seven of ten eyes remained visual during the follow-up period (8.16 ± 6.57 months). Graft transparency was good for the eye treated with PK. The horse that underwent GF alone was functionally blind due to persistent corneal edema. The clinical signs resolved in 3/5 horses that underwent CTW alone, but 2/5 eyes were enucleated due to corneal perforation. Both eyes treated with combined GF/CTW had significant corneal clearing with one having evidence of reattachment on UBM and OCT. Conclusions: Descemet's membrane detachments separations presents differently than typical DMD and advanced corneal imaging modalities may aid in their diagnosis. Corneal tissue welding using infraCG as the photosensitive agent, or in combination with Gundersen inlay flaps, represents a feasible treatment option for management of equine DMD/DMRS as described in the present case series.
© 2020 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.
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Publication Date: 2020-06-11 PubMed ID: 32529665DOI: 10.1111/vop.12793Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research aims to elaborate on the characteristics, diagnostic processes, and treatment alternatives for horses experiencing separations, ruptures, or detachments of Descemet’s membrane. It further assesses initial results regarding these processes.

Overview of the Research and Methodology

  • The study involved ten adult horses of various breeds that were presumed to have Descemet’s membrane ruptures separations (DMRS), or detachments (DMD).
  • The primary method to diagnose the horses was through slit lamp biomicroscopy, ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), and optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Treatment Approaches and Outcomes

  • There were various treatment methods implemented which include penetrating keratoplasty (PK) along with corneal donor tissue from another species, Gundersen inlay flaps alone (GF) or with subsequent intracamerally assisted corneal tissue welding (CTW), and CTW alone. Out of the ten horses, nine were treated using these methods.
  • In terms of results, four horses were confirmed to have a DMD on one side, and six were diagnosed with DMRS. During the follow-up visit (8.16 ± 6.57 months later), seven out of ten horses still maintained vision in their treated eyes. The status of the graft was good for the only horse that underwent PK.
  • One horse, which was treated with GF alone, turned out to be functionally blind because of persistent corneal edema. Of the five horses that underwent CTW alone, three had their clinical symptoms resolved. Unfortunately, two of them had to undergo enucleation due to corneal perforation.
  • Both horses treated with a combination of GF and CTW showed significant corneal clearing. One of them even showcased signal of reattachment as revealed by UBM and OCT.

Conclusions from the Study

  • The conditions of Descemet’s membrane detachments separations were distinct from typical DMD, and advanced imaging techniques of the cornea could be of great assistance when diagnosing.
  • The study suggests that Corneal tissue welding, using infraCG as the photosensitive agent or a combination with Gundersen inlay flaps, can be an effective treatment option for managing equine DMD/DMRS, as was observed in this case series.

Cite This Article

APA
Rodriguez Galarza RM, McMullen RJ. (2020). Descemet’s membrane detachments, ruptures, and separations in ten adult horses: Clinical signs, diagnostics, treatment options, and preliminary results. Vet Ophthalmol, 23(4), 611-623. https://doi.org/10.1111/vop.12793

Publication

Veterinary ophthalmology
ISSN: 1463-5224
NlmUniqueID: 100887377
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 23
Issue: 4
Pages: 611-623

Researcher Affiliations

Rodriguez Galarza, Roxanne M
  • Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
McMullen, Richard J
  • JT Vaughan Large Animal Teaching Hospital, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, USA.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Descemet Membrane / injuries
  • Eye Injuries / surgery
  • Eye Injuries / veterinary
  • Female
  • Horses / injuries
  • Male
  • Phacoemulsification / veterinary
  • Visual Acuity

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Citations

This article has been cited 2 times.
  1. Knickelbein KE, Lassaline ME, Kim S, Scharbrough MS, Thomasy SM. Corneal thickness and anterior chamber depth of the normal adult horse as measured by ultrasound biomicroscopy. Vet Ophthalmol 2022 May;25 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):17-24.
    doi: 10.1111/vop.12971pubmed: 35084084google scholar: lookup
  2. Verhaar N, Geburek F. Real-time ancillary diagnostics for intraoperative assessment of intestinal viability in horses-looking for answers across species. Vet Surg 2025 May;54(4):648-664.
    doi: 10.1111/vsu.14248pubmed: 40114354google scholar: lookup
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