Superficial keratectomy and 360º conjunctival flap for bullous keratopathy in a dog: a case report

Abstract

A case of a two-year-old male Pinscher with a history of discomfort in the right eye was reported. The left eye had been enucleated by the referring veterinarian due to the same symptom with unsuccessful clinical treatment. The Schirmer tear test value was elevated and a decreased intraocular pressure was observed by applanation tonometry. Biomicroscopy revealed profuse corneal edema and keratoconus and fluorescein staining was negative. Gonioscopy and ophthalmoscopy did not provide any relevant data due to the corneal alterations. Bullous keratopathy was diagnosed. Surgery was performed in two steps: 1) superficial keratectomy and 360º conjunctival flap, and 2) superficial keratectomy to restore corneal transparency. Thirty days after the second superficial keratectomy, the third eyelid flap was removed. Conjunctivalization of the upper nasal quadrant of the cornea was observed. The axial portion of the cornea was transparent and vision was restored.