Diamond burr debridement vs. grid keratotomy in canine SCCED with scanning electron microscopy diamond burr tip analysis.

OBJECTIVES

(i) Compare the outcome of canine SCCED treated with grid keratotomy (GK) or diamond burr debridement (DBD); (ii) Serially evaluate morphologic and elemental composition changes to diamond burr tips.

ANIMALS STUDIED: A total of 91 eyes of 88 canine SCCED patients treated at the University of Missouri (2005-2015); 75 fresh cadaver porcine globes.

PROCEDURES: (i) Medical records were reviewed retrospectively. Data were analyzed for age, sex, breed, procedure performed, eye(s) on which the procedure was performed, time to healing after a single surgical procedure, performance of a second surgical procedure, contact lens placement, and postprocedural complications. (ii) Three naïve 3.5-mm medium grit burr tips were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). DBD was performed for 120 s on 8-mm porcine corneal stroma using the Algerbrush® . Manufacturer-recommended cleaning protocols were followed. SEM and EDS analyses were performed in triplicate after 10, 25, and 50 DBD, cleaning, and sterilization cycles.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in healing between DBD and GK groups (P = 0.50). No diamond particle damage after 10, 25, or 50 DBDs was detected. SEM secondary electron imaging and backscatter electron imaging after repeated uses demonstrated a build-up of contamination composed of carbon, sulfur, and calcium on burr tips.

CONCLUSIONS

Both DBD and GK are effective treatment options for canine SCCED. Although complications are rare after DBD, build-up of contaminants may be a contributing factor. Additional cleaning and sterilization protocols are being investigated.