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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Ophthalmol / Treatment of corneal ulceration and bullous keratopathy usin...
Veterinary ophthalmology2023; 26(2); 155-160; doi: 10.1111/vop.13062

Treatment of corneal ulceration and bullous keratopathy using a nictitating membrane flap in two horses.

Abstract: 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. Methods: 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. Methods: 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. Conclusions: 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.
© 2023 The Author. Veterinary Ophthalmology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.
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Publication Date: 2023-02-03 PubMed ID: 36738127DOI: 10.1111/vop.13062Google 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.

The research investigates a method using the nictitating membrane flap to treat corneal ulceration and bullous keratopathy in two horses, leading to a successful recovery of their vision.

Objective of the Study

  • This study’s primary objective is to demonstrate how a nictitating membrane flap can be used to treat severe eye conditions like corneal ulceration and bullous keratopathy in horses. The two test subjects involved in the study were an American Saddlebred mare and a Trakehner stallion, both suffering from these severe eye conditions.

Methods of the Study

  • Both horses underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, where samples were taken for corneal cytology.
  • The horses were also subjected to aggressive medical treatment to manage the condition better.
  • The researchers proceeded to place the nictitating membrane flap and a subpalpebral lavage system (SPLS) under general anesthesia.

Results of the Study

  • The corneal cytology samples revealed a mix of bacterial populations in both horses. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found in moderate amounts in the mare, while the stallion had some Aspergillus species and Enterococcus gallinarum.
  • Post the treatment, the bullae in the two horses were resolved by 3-4 weeks, and vision was restored in the affected eyes after 3-4.5 months, demonstrating the effectiveness of the treatment.

Conclusions of the Study

  • The research concluded that aggressive medical management along with the placement of the nictitating membrane flap is an effective way to treat corneal ulceration and bullous keratopathy in horses.
  • This treatment approach could potentially help treat horses suffering from severe or progressing bullous corneal lesions in the future.

Cite This Article

APA
Burn JB. (2023). Treatment of corneal ulceration and bullous keratopathy using a nictitating membrane flap in two horses. Vet Ophthalmol, 26(2), 155-160. https://doi.org/10.1111/vop.13062

Publication

Veterinary ophthalmology
ISSN: 1463-5224
NlmUniqueID: 100887377
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 26
Issue: 2
Pages: 155-160

Researcher Affiliations

Burn, Jessica B
  • VCA Central Victoria Veterinary Hospital, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

MeSH Terms

  • Horses
  • Animals
  • Male
  • Female
  • Corneal Edema / veterinary
  • Nictitating Membrane / pathology
  • Blister / pathology
  • Blister / veterinary
  • Cornea / pathology
  • Corneal Ulcer / surgery
  • Corneal Ulcer / veterinary
  • Corneal Ulcer / pathology

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This article includes 19 references
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