Corneal Xenograph in a Chihuahua

David Gould — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 11:18:53 GMT

Photo 1: Initial Presentation
Photo 2: Immediately post-operative
Photo 3: 4-weeks post-op check
Photo 5: 5 months post-op

Pepe, a Chihuahua, was initially diagnosed with a shallow corneal ulcer, but within four days the eye had deteriorated significantly and he was referred as an emergency to the ophthalmology department here at Davies Veterinary Specialists.

Despite the short period of time between the initial complaint and referral to us Pepe had developed a deep ‘melting’ corneal ulcer in his left eye. He needed immediate treatment in order to try and save his eye and vision.

A melting corneal ulcer occurs when a certain type of bacteria (typically Pseudomonas aeroguinosa or ß-haemolytic streptococcus) infects an existing corneal ulcer and causes progressive malacia and destruction of the corneal stroma. This can progress to rupture of the eye if left untreated.

Pepe’s ulcer was affecting the majority of the corneal surface and was extending close to its deepest layer, Descemet’s membrane, so the eye was in imminent risk of rupture. Initially he received intensive medical management from the nursing team at Davies and, once the infection was under control, he was anaesthetised for a novel surgical procedure to try to save his vision.

Extensive damage to the cornea meant that conventional grafting procedures would leave Pepe’s eye, at best, severely scarred in the long term. This would comprise the clarity of his vision for the rest of his life but thankfully we had another option.

A newly developed corneal xenograft (ie a graft from a different species, in this case derived from pig cornea) was used to repair Pepe’s damaged eye. After preparation and removal of infected areas of cornea from the surgical bed, the graft was secured to the adjacent cornea, with the aid of an operating microscope and microsurgical equipment.

Pepe made a full recovery over the coming weeks and at 4 months post-operatively his eye is fully functional, visual and minimally scarred.

For more information, visit: https://vetspecialists.co.uk/services/ophthalmology/

Iris Cysts

Vikki Halliday LLB — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 16:40:19 GMT

Transilluminated and normal view iris cysts

www.ophthovet.co.uk

Melting ulcer

Vikki Halliday LLB — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 16:38:33 GMT

Pug melting ulcer treated with 360 degree conjunctival graft

www.ophthovet.co.uk

Dermoid

Vikki Halliday LLB — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 16:36:33 GMT

Dermoid in a young pug with, removed with keratectomy and repaired with a conjunctival advancement graft.

Retinal Imaging

Vikki Halliday LLB — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 16:34:13 GMT

Good results with the Epicam V from Epipole, which is low light intensity therefore does not require dilation. 10 nanometer resolution and 45 degree visual field. Live video and still imaging.

Veterinary Ophthalmology

Corneal Xenograph in a Chihuahua

Iris Cysts

Melting ulcer

Dermoid

Retinal Imaging