Superficial keratectomy as a treatment for non-healing corneal ulceration associated with primary corneal endothelial degeneration.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze a study population of dogs with primary corneal endothelial degeneration (PCED) for information on the patterns of disease and to report the efficacy of superficial keratectomy (SK) for resolution of non-healing corneal ulcers associated with PCED.

ANIMALS STUDIED: Primary corneal endothelial degeneration was diagnosed in 238 dogs between 1998 and 2017. Corneal ulceration associated with PCED was present in 89 dogs (109 eyes), of which 47 eyes were treated with SK.

PROCEDURES: A retrospective assessment of medical records was performed to determine the signalment patterns of PCED, and the success rate of the SK procedure for resolving PCED-associated corneal ulceration. Descriptive statistics were reported on the signalment of PCED cases, with odd ratios and confidence intervals calculated to detect breed predispositions.

RESULTS

Primary corneal endothelial degeneration was diagnosed in 238 dogs, 40.8% were female and 59.2% were male, with a mean age at diagnosis of 11.4 years. Dachshunds, Dalmatians, English Springer Spaniels, Welsh Springer Spaniels, Chihuahuas, Cocker Spaniels, and Golden Retrievers were significantly over-represented. All PCED-affected Dalmatians developed associated corneal ulceration. Follow-up information was available for 41/47 eyes treated with SK. At the first reassessment, 87.8% were healed which increased to 97.6% with subsequent monitoring. Four eyes (9.8%) had late corneal ulcer occurrence following SK, at a median time following SK of 182 weeks post-surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Superficial keratectomy was an effective option for resolving painful non-healing corneal ulcers associated with PCED. Dalmatians may be at increased risk of developing PCED-associated corneal ulceration.