Surgical management of a malacic corneal ulcer in a greater one-horned Asian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) using a free island tarsoconjunctival graft.

Abstract

A greater one-horned Asian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) presented for presumed ocular trauma to the left eye, with secondary bacterial infection, resulting in severe and progressive corneal ulceration. Following a poor response to medical therapy, the animal was anesthetized for further examination, and a bulbar conjunctival pedicle graft performed. This graft failed by 48-h postsurgery as a result of self-trauma. The animal was re-anesthetized, and a free island tarsoconjunctival graft performed. This second procedure was successful, resulting in globe preservation, cosmesis, and functional vision in the affected eye.