Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Corneal edema in four horses treated with a superficial keratectomy and Gundersen inlay flap.
- Journal:
- Veterinary ophthalmology
- Year:
- 2017
- Authors:
- Scherrer, Nicole M et al.
- Affiliation:
- University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Four horses were treated for severe swelling in their corneas, which was likely caused by a problem with the inner layer of the cornea. They had symptoms like fluid-filled blisters and ulcers on their eyes, and standard treatments weren’t helping. Instead, the horses underwent a surgical procedure called a superficial keratectomy and Gundersen inlay flap, which involved removing damaged tissue and placing a graft. After the surgery, the horses showed a significant reduction in corneal swelling, felt more comfortable, no longer had ulcers, and were able to see well without needing much medication afterward. Overall, this surgical approach appears to be a good option for treating severe corneal swelling in horses.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome of four horses with severe corneal edema caused by suspected endothelial disease treated with a superficial keratectomy and Gundersen inlay flap and to determine whether this procedure (i) reduces corneal edema, (ii) reduces ocular pain, (iii) eliminates recurrent corneal ulceration, and (iv) improves vision in these horses. ANIMALS STUDIED: Four horses met inclusion criterion of (i) diagnosis with endothelial disease by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist and (ii) surgical treatment with a superficial keratectomy and Gundersen inlay flap. PROCEDURE: Retrospective medical record review of included horses was used to determine breed, age and sex of included horses, as well as details of medical and surgical therapy, and visual outcome. RESULTS: Four horses were presented with a complaint of focal corneal edema that progressed to diffuse corneal edema. Epithelial bullae and ulceration were present in all cases. The disease process was unresponsive to standard medical treatment with a hyperosmotic agent and topical and systemic anti-inflammatories. However, treatment with a superficial keratectomy and Gundersen inlay flap performed under general anesthesia was associated with (i) a significant decrease in corneal edema, (ii) increased comfort, (iii) elimination of corneal ulceration, and (iv) retention of vision postoperatively with little to no need for medical therapy. Follow-up time was 15, 12, 6, and 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: The superficial keratectomy and Gundersen inlay flap may provide a surgical alternative to chronic medical treatment of severe corneal edema in horses.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26778407/