How common are corneal ulcers in dogs given eye gel during anesthesia

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of corneal ulceration in dogs receiving prophylactic gel lubrication under general anesthesia (GA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An ophthalmic examination was performed before premedication and 24&#xa0;h after GA in 100 dogs (199 eyes) undergoing nonophthalmic procedures. Individuals with known pre-existing ocular surface conditions were excluded. An ocular lubricating gel containing carmellose sodium was applied by the anesthetist at induction and every 2-4&#xa0;h until extubation. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate risk factors for ulcerative disease, including signalment, length of GA, patient position, procedure performed, pre-, and post-GA ophthalmic examination findings and admitting service. A Wilcoxon rank sum test compared pre- and post-GA Schirmer tear test-1 (STT-1) values. RESULTS: One dog (0.5% of total eyes) developed fluorescein stain uptake consistent with superficial corneal ulceration that resolved within 48&#xa0;h with supportive treatment. Twenty-five (18.6% of total eyes) developed a faint, patchy corneal uptake of stain in the axial cornea that was consistent with epithelial erosion. All erosions resolved with lubrication 24&#xa0;h later. The decrease in STT-1 readings at 24&#xa0;h post-GA was statistically significant from those pre-GA (P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001). No significant risk factors for corneal erosion/ulceration were identified. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that a basic protocol of prophylactic lubrication during GA was associated with a low prevalence of corneal ulceration but a higher prevalence of epithelial erosion. In addition, the study supports the need for post-GA corneal examination.