Treatment of six cases of equine corneal stromal abscessation with intracorneal injection of 5% voriconazole solution.

This research article discusses a technique for treating corneal abscesses in horses using a 5% voriconazole solution. The solution was administered via an injection into the abscess, resulting in successful treatment outcomes for all six cases.

Objective and Methods

• The objective of this study was to share a reliable method for injecting the voriconazole solution into the stromal layer of a horse’s cornea. This treatment was applied to horses that had deep stromal abscesses, which were believed to be due to a fungal infection.
• The injection process was carried out while the horse was standing and sedated.
• The intention behind the intrastromal injection of the voriconazole solution was to enhance the resolution of the clinical disease and efficiently treat the abscess.

Results

• The use of a 5% voriconazole solution showed successful results in treating the stromal abscessation and secondary uveitis in the horses.
• Post-injection, there were no significant complications, and all horses had a decreased rate of blepharospasm (abnormal, involuntary blinking or spasm of the eyelids).
• The recovery period was reportedly shorter than what has been traditionally observed with other medical therapies.
• Following the healing process, all the horses had mild to moderate stromal fibrosis, relative to the severity and depth of the initial abscess.

Conclusion

• The research concluded that intrastromal injection of 5% voriconazole solution could serve as an effective and safe treatment for corneal stromal abscessation in horses.
• Administration of the injection early in the treatment period correlated with a rapid resolution of disease without significant complications.
• The authors propose this technique as a less expensive and efficient alternative to traditional surgical interventions, with potentially less scar tissue formation.