A remote fluorescein staining and photography protocol for monitoring of ulcerative keratitis in small animal patients: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a protocol for corneal ulcer monitoring utilizing daily fluorescein staining and evaluation of owner-acquired anterior segment images.

ANIMAL STUDIED: Nine client-owned small animal patients (eight dogs, one cat) diagnosed with superficial corneal ulcers at the University of Georgia Veterinary Capitalize Hospital.

PROCEDURE(S): In addition to routine ulcer therapy, patients were discharged with supplies to perform daily fluorescein staining including a Quikvue® cobalt blue light camera adapter. Fluorescein staining was performed daily, photographs and/or videos were acquired at home by the patient's owner(s), and images were analyzed daily by trained personnel. In-house examinations were performed weekly and within 24 h after the ulcer had appeared healed on photographs.

RESULTS

All (9/9) owners were able to take interpretable photographs. The majority (6/9) of patients had images successfully detailing their ulcer healing progress. One (1/9) patient appeared healed on images, but on subsequent examination had persistent ulceration covered by third eyelid elevation. Two (2/9) patients had persistent ulceration, consistent on both images and examination, but exited the study prematurely prior to ulcer healing.

CONCLUSIONS

Remote fluorescein staining and image evaluation can be considered as an adjunct for monitoring ulcer healing but should not be used alone or as a substitute for ophthalmic examinations. Ulcers under the third eyelid have potential to be missed on image evaluation alone.