Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Treatment of large corneal ulcers in dogs using conjunctival grafts
By Lampropoulos, Achilleas Marios & Tzouganakis, Ioannis·Published in Veterinary ophthalmology·2026·Vet Eye Care, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: The Use of 360-Degree Conjunctival Graft and Biomaterials in the Treatment of Extensive Corneal Ulceration and Keratomalacia in Dogs: Nine Cases.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with severe corneal ulcers affecting more than half of their cornea underwent a special surgical procedure called a 360-degree conjunctival graft, combined with different biomaterials like amniotic membrane. Out of nine dogs treated, eight successfully healed, and seven of those regained their vision during follow-up. The treatment showed promising results, with most dogs retaining their eyes and experiencing reduced swelling and improved healing over time. This approach could be a valuable option for dogs suffering from extensive corneal damage.
People also search for: dog corneal ulcer treatment · dog eye surgery recovery · how to treat corneal melting in dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of a 360-degree conjunctival graft in combination with three different biomaterials: amniotic membrane (AM), porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS), and porcine urinary bladder acellular matrix (UBM) in dogs with extensive keratomalacia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medical records from a single referral center were retrospectively reviewed. Dogs with extensive keratomalacia affecting at least 50% of the corneal diameter that underwent a 360-degree conjunctival graft in combination with a biomaterial (AM, SIS, UBM) were included. RESULTS: Nine eyes from nine dogs were included. The mean horizontal percentage of the malacic cornea was 68.4% and mean vertical percentage was 67.7%. Ulcer depth ranged from > 70% stromal (66.7%), descemetocele (22.2%), and corneal perforation (11.1%). Mean follow-up time was 153 days (range: 17-483 days). Successful corneal healing and globe retention was achieved in 8/9 eyes (88.9%). Of the preserved globes, 7/8 eyes (87.5%) were visual at the last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a 360-degree conjunctival graft in combination with AM, SIS, or UBM for the treatment of melting ulcers affecting > 50% of the corneal surface resulted in excellent globe and vision retention rates. Significant and profound corneal vascularization, granulation tissue, fibrosis, and edema were noticed in most cases following the release of the 360-degree conjunctival graft, which reduced over time.
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 on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41668461/