Use of free conjunctival grafts in horses: ten cases.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of free conjunctival grafts in the treatment of horses with a range of keratopathies.

DESIGN

A retrospective clinical study of ten client-owned horses treated at Murdoch University Veterinary Hospital from May 1996 to September 2001.

PROCEDURE: The suitability of patients for the surgical procedure was assessed using a slit lamp biomicroscope and by direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy. Surgery was performed with the aid of an operating microscope, under general anaesthesia. A subpalpebral ocular lavage catheter was used for administration of topical atropine and antibiotics postoperatively.

RESULTS

In all ten horses the affected globe was saved. In nine of the horses vision in the eye was satisfactory 6 months after surgery, and in one horse the eye was blind. Complications included further corneal ulceration or eyelid abscessation and some loss of sutures, although these did not preclude a successful outcome.

CONCLUSION

Free conjunctival grafts were successful in treating a range of keratopathies in the horse, and the technique offers a number of advantages over other forms of surgical intervention.