Posterior lamellar keratoplasty for treatment of deep stromal absesses in nine horses

• Published in: Veterinary ophthalmology Vol. 3; no. 2-3; pp. 99 - 103
• Main Authors: Andrew, S.E., Brooks, D.E., Biros, D.J., Denis, H.M., Cutler, T.J., Gelatt, K.N.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 2000
• ISSN: 1463-5216; 1463-5224
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1463-5224.2000.00129.x

OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate the use of posterior lamellar keratoplasty as a surgical treatment for deep corneal stromal abscesses in horses. Animals studied Nine horses of various breeds and ages that presented with corneal stromal abscesses located in the posterior one-third of the cornea. Procedure Retrospective medical record study. RESULTS: Nine horses had deep corneal stromal abscesses that were treated with posterior lamellar keratoplasty. Median patient age was 3 years. Six patients were females and three were geldings. Medical therapy alone had been attempted prior to surgery in all nine animals. Corneal abscess culture and histopathology were performed in 8/9 horses. Cultures were positive for an infectious etiology in 4/8 (50%). Histopathology was positive for an infectious etiology in 5/8 (62.5%). Mean surgical time was 71.0 +/- 18.8 min and the average healing time was 23.7 +/- 5.2 days. Visual outcome was positive in 8/9 cases. Conclusion Posterior lamellar keratoplasty is a promising procedure for treatment of deep corneal stromal abscesses in horses. The procedure resulted in considerable shorter surgery time and healing time than had been observed with full-thickness penetrating keratoplasty. Scar formation with this procedure was not significantly different than with penetrating keratoplasty.