Corneal Sequestration and Bilateral Distichiasis in a Binturong (Arctictis binturong).

OBJECTIVE

To report the first documented case of corneal sequestration and distichiasis in a binturong (Arctictis binturong), discuss implications of disease prevalence in a non-domestic feliform, and hypothesize on potential etiology and predisposing factors for corneal sequestration.

ANIMAL STUDIED: A 15-year-old intact male binturong.

PROCEDURES: Anesthetized physical examination and ophthalmic assessment were performed by board-certified specialists. Corneal cytology, culture and sensitivity, debridement of the sequestra in lieu of keratectomy, histopathology, and cryoepilation were performed, followed by 4 weeks of topical therapy. The patient was euthanized 3 years later for unrelated reasons, and a necropsy was performed.

RESULTS

Examination found bilateral distichiasis. In the left cornea, two brown, ovoid lesions flanked an area of yellow infiltrate, all overlying a raised, ulcerated granulation bed. Corneal cytology identified neutrophils, cocci, and rare rods. Histopathology of the debrided tissue showed coagulative to lytic necrosis with intralesional gram-positive cocci, indicating sequestration and secondary infection. Aerobic culture yielded Staphylococcus delphini and Streptococcus acidominimus. Photo updates 4 weeks post-operation showed resolution of clinical signs. Later, necropsy and histology showed chronic ocular changes without recurrence of sequestra.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical and histopathologic findings identified corneal sequestration, with chronic irritation secondary to distichiasis as a suspected factor. Surgical debridement and cryoepilation achieved long-term clinical resolution, with only mild distichiae regrowth and no sequestration recurrence after 3 years. Corneal sequestration is thought to predominantly affect domestic cats (Felis catus); this report expands the clinical relevance of corneal sequestration to an exotic species and supports chronic corneal irritation as a predisposing factor.