SAEVA Congress 2018 Proceedings | 12-15 February 2018 | ATKV Goudini Spa
infection into the superficial stroma. An equine soft contact lens can also be
applied after this procedure and medicated as in [2] above.
4. Superficial keratectomy involves the complete removal of the basement
membrane and anterior stroma and one relies on second intention healing. In
all cases appropriate topical medications [antibiotics and atropine] and oral
NSAIDs with or without a soft contact lens should be used. Corneal re-
epitheliasation is expected to be about 0.6mm/day. The data showed that:
Treatment method
Healing time
% Success
Debridement only
15.3 days
63%
Grid keratotomy
16 days
78-80%
Superficial Keratectomy
23 days
78-80%
Ref: Lassatine-Utter et al
The data suggest that these surgical procedures are indicated but should only be
performed following failure of the ulcer to heal after epithelial debridement.
References:
1.
Lassatine-Utter ML, Cutler TJ,
Michau TM, Nunnery CM.
Treatment of nonhealing corneal
ulcers in 60 horses with diamond
burr debridement (2010–2013).
Vet Ophthalmol 2014;17 Suppl 1:
76–81.
2.
Michau T, Schwabenton B,
Davidson M, et al. Superficial,
nonhealing corneal ulcers in
horses: 23 cases (1989–2003).
Vet Ophthalmol 2003; 6:291–297.
Fungal Keratitis
Johannesburg Animal Eye Hospital
Fungal or mycotic keratitis generally appears as a worsening problem, appears
painful and usually is associated with a severe secondary uveitis. The lesion can be
superficial, stromal [ulcerative], stromal non-ulcerative and deep stromal–endothelial
non ulcerative.
Infected Ulcerated and Non Ulcerative Corneal Disease - Corneal Stromal
Abscess [SA]
The common phenomenon of an equine corneal abscess that does not stain positive
with fluorescein is generally considered to be caused by a micropuncture by a
foreign material such as hay. There is subsequent re-epithelialisation of the cornea
which results in the bacteria or fungi being protected within the corneal stroma. A
stromal abscess also has the potential of being sterile. As a generalisation, if the
abscess is located towards the epithelium then it is most likely bacterial in origin
whilst if deep, towards the endothelium then most likely fungal in origin.
Stromal abscesses are characterised by cellular infiltrate which can either give a well
delineated or a more hazy diffuse whitish or yellow coloured area within the stroma
itself. Affected globes may show a waxing or waning clinical course and many show
severe or mild uveitis, ocular pain and corneal oedema.
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