Dissolution of presumed calcareous corneal degeneration with 13.8% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid solution in 17 dogs.

PURPOSE: To describe a novel treatment for dissolving calcareous corneal degeneration (CCD)-associated mineral in 17 dogs with 13.8% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) solution.

METHODS

Cases seen between 2021 and 2023 were reviewed. Seventeen dogs with CCD associated with corneal ulcerations were treated with a mineral dissolution procedure using 13.8% EDTA solution. A diamond burr keratotomy (DBK) was subsequently performed in some cases when residual mineralization remained present.

RESULTS

Of the 19 eyes (17 dogs) included in the study, 10 eyes (8 dogs) required a DBK procedure. One eye (one dog) required a repeat procedure 26 weeks following the initial procedure and two eyes (one dog) required a repeat procedure 24 and 37 weeks following initial treatment in the left and right eye, respectively. Mean follow-up time to last recheck for eyes not requiring a second chelation procedure was 20.4 weeks (range, 10-47 weeks). At the last follow-up examination for all 17 dogs, the CCD resolved in 26.3%, improved in 57.9%, and recurred in 15.8% of eyes. Complications occurred in two eyes (two dogs) and included an infected stromal ulcer at 2-week recheck and the creation of a 40% depth stromal defect immediately following debridement. Both complications were successfully addressed with medical management.

CONCLUSIONS

The utilization of 13.8% EDTA solution appears to be an effective and safe means of treating lesions associated with CCD.