Utility of Autologous Fascia Lata Grafting in Veterinary Ophthalmology: A Case Series of 5 Dogs.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the surgical technique and clinical outcomes associated with autologous fascia lata (AFL) grafting for the management of globe-threatening ophthalmic conditions in dogs.

METHODS

Medical records of five canine patients undergoing ophthalmic surgery with AFL grafting between November 2024 and November 2025 were retrospectively reviewed. Indications included recurrent scleral staphyloma following failure of multi-layer porcine small intestinal submucosa grafting, conjunctival thinning overlying glaucoma drainage device tubing, and reconstruction following deep lamellar keratectomy and sclerectomy for limbal melanocytic tumors. Data collected included signalment, indication for surgery, surgical technique, post-operative management, donor site morbidity, and short- and long-term outcomes.

RESULTS

Minimally invasive AFL grafting was successfully used in all five cases to address globe-threatening ophthalmic conditions. In the two dogs treated for recurrent scleral staphyloma, the graft provided sustained tectonic support with no staphyloma recurrence at the last follow-up examinations performed six and 13 months post-operatively. In the case involving conjunctival thinning over a glaucoma drainage device, conjunctival integrity was maintained without recurrence of erosion at the final follow-up at six months. In both cases of limbal melanocytic tumor resection, the graft provided adequate scleral reinforcement with preservation of globe integrity at the last follow-up examination at ten weeks and five months post-operatively. Donor site morbidity was minimal in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

AFL grafting provided reliable tectonic support and favorable biocompatibility in dogs undergoing ophthalmic surgery for globe-threatening defects.