Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Treatment of six cases of equine corneal stromal abscessation with intracorneal injection of 5% voriconazole solution.
- Journal:
- Veterinary ophthalmology
- Year:
- 2014
- Authors:
- Smith, Kathryn M et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This study looked at a new way to treat corneal stromal abscesses, which are deep infections in the eye, in horses. Six horses with these infections received an injection of a medication called voriconazole directly into the affected area while they were lightly sedated. The results showed that this treatment helped clear up the infections and related eye problems without causing major side effects. The horses seemed to recover faster than they would have with standard treatments, and while some scarring occurred, it was less than what might happen with surgery. Overall, this injection method appears to be a safe and effective alternative to traditional surgery for treating these eye infections in horses.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe a reproducible technique for intrastromal injection in the standing horse for treatment of corneal stromal abscessation. ANIMAL STUDIED: A retrospective clinical study addressing the history, treatment, and outcome of six equids (six eyes) that received intrastromal voriconazole injection. PROCEDURE: Equids having a deep stromal abscess suspected to be of fungal origin were administered intrastromal injection of 5% voriconazole solution under standing sedation in an effort to bring about enhanced resolution of clinical disease. RESULTS: Intracorneal administration of 5% voriconazole solution resulted in resolution of clinical disease, specifically stromal abscessation and secondary uveitis. All animals displayed decreased blepharospasm and no significant complications in the immediate postinjection period. Convalescent periods were subjectively shorter than anticipated with traditional medical therapy. All animals developed mild to moderate stromal fibrosis relative to the initial severity and depth of abscessation. CONCLUSIONS: Intrastromal injection of 5% voriconazole solution may provide a safe and effective treatment option for corneal stromal abscessation in horses. In all reported cases, administration of injection early in the treatment period appeared to contribute to rapid resolution of clinical disease without significant complications. The authors present this technique as an alternative to traditional surgical intervention, being more economical, having shorter treatment duration, and potentially resulting in less scar formation.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24387183/