Porcine urinary bladder extracellular matrix grafts (ACell Vet® Corneal Discs) for keratomalacia in 17 equids (2012-2013).
Abstract: To describe the clinical course, outcomes, and complications associated with use of commercially available porcine urinary bladder extracellular matrix (ECM) grafts (ACell Vet(®) Corneal Discs) in equid patients with keratomalacia, and to evaluate the efficacy of ECM grafts as a viable alternative to other biomaterials for corneal grafting in equid patients. Methods: Sixteen horses and one donkey (17 eyes) with unilateral keratomalacia severe enough to warrant surgical repair between August 2012 and September 2013. Methods: Retrospective medical record review to identify equid patients meeting inclusion criteria of (i) diagnosis with keratomalacia severe enough to warrant surgical repair and (ii) surgical repair with an extracellular matrix graft. Results: Eleven geldings, four mares, and two colts met inclusion criteria. Patients averaged 9 years of age. Twelve of 17 eyes (71%) were considered infected based on either corneal cytology (10/17, or 59%) or corneal culture (12/17, or 71%) positive for bacteria (8/17, or 47%) or fungi (9/17, or 53%). At the time topical medications were discontinued, 16 eyes (94%) were visual. One operated eye ruptured 5 days postoperatively and was enucleated. Keratouveitis developed in 14/14 eyes that underwent regular examinations approximately 2 weeks postoperatively which responded to systemic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy. Conclusions: Extracellular matrix grafts may be a viable alternative to other biomaterials for corneal grafting in equids. Advantages include commercial availability and shelf storage.
© 2014 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.
Publication Date: 2014-11-27 PubMed ID: 25429917DOI: 10.1111/vop.12240Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research presents an analysis of the use of porcine urinary bladder extracellular matrix (ECM) grafts in treating severe keratomalacia (corneal melting) in equids – specifically 16 horses and one donkey. The study examines clinical outcomes, associated complications, and overall efficacy, suggesting that ECM grafts could potentially be an effective alternative treatment method for corneal grafting.
Methodology
- The study was conducted retrospectively by reviewing medical records of equid patients that met specified inclusion criteria between August 2012 and September 2013.
- The inclusion criteria comprised a diagnosis of keratomalacia severe enough to warrant surgical repair and subsequent surgical repair using an ECM graft.
- In total, 11 geldings, four mares, and two colts met the inclusion criteria. The average age of the patients was 9 years.
Findings
- Out of the total number of eyes (17) considered in the study, 12 (71%) were determined to be infected based on corneal cytology or corneal culture. These infections were further categorized as bacterial (47%) or fungal (53%).
- In terms of the visual ability of the treated eyes, it was found that 16 eyes (94%) could see by the time topical medications were discontinued. Unfortunately, one operated eye ruptured just 5 days after surgery, resulting in removal.
- It was further observed that keratouveitis – inflammation of the cornea and the uvea – developed in every eye that underwent regular examinations roughly 2 weeks after the operation. However, these bouts of inflammation responded positively to systemic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy.
Conclusions
- The favorable outcomes from the study suggest that ECM grafts could be a viable alternative to other biomaterials typically used for corneal grafting in equids.
- Key advantages of this method include commercial availability and the feature of longer shelf storage.
Cite This Article
APA
Mancuso LA, Lassaline M, Scherrer NM.
(2014).
Porcine urinary bladder extracellular matrix grafts (ACell Vet® Corneal Discs) for keratomalacia in 17 equids (2012-2013).
Vet Ophthalmol, 19(1), 3-10.
https://doi.org/10.1111/vop.12240 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 382 W. Street Road, Kennett Square, PA, 19348, USA.
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
- New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 382 W. Street Road, Kennett Square, PA, 19348, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Corneal Diseases / surgery
- Corneal Diseases / veterinary
- Corneal Transplantation / veterinary
- Extracellular Matrix / transplantation
- Female
- Horse Diseases / surgery
- Horses
- Male
- Retrospective Studies
- Swine
- Treatment Outcome
- Urinary Bladder
- Vitamin A Deficiency / surgery
- Vitamin A Deficiency / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 5 times.- Lores M, Rakestraw P, De Rijck M, Yarbrough T. Use of autologous fascia lata graft to repair a complex corneal ulcer in a mare. Ir Vet J 2020;73:7.
- Steinmetz A, Bernhard A, Minkwitz C, Böttcher D. [Surgical treatment of a perforated cornea in a zebra]. Ophthalmologe 2019 Oct;116(10):967-969.
- Marlo TL, Giuliano EA, Sharma A, Mohan RR. Development of a novel ex vivo equine corneal model. Vet Ophthalmol 2017 Jul;20(4):288-293.
- Mao Y, Wang Y, Liu S, Liu Z, Yao P, Sun B, Chen C. Decellularized tendon patch enhance biological and mechanical healing of large-to-massive rotator cuff tear in a rat chronic model: a comparison study of patch sterilization and storage methods. J Orthop Surg Res 2025 Mar 1;20(1):218.
- Ledbetter EC, Sanchez RF, Repiso ML. Reconstruction of deep and perforating corneal defects in dogs-A review (Part II/III): Biomaterials and keratoprosthesis. Vet Ophthalmol 2025 Mar;28(2):532-542.
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