The Use of 360-Degree Conjunctival Graft and Biomaterials in the Treatment of Extensive Corneal Ulceration and Keratomalacia in Dogs: Nine Cases.

360-degree conjunctival grafting with biomaterials achieves 89% globe and 88% vision retention in extensive canine keratomalacia.

This retrospective case series evaluated a surgical technique combining 360-degree conjunctival grafting with three different biomaterials (amniotic membrane, porcine small intestinal submucosa, and porcine urinary bladder acellular matrix) for treating extensive corneal keratomalacia in dogs. Nine eyes from nine dogs with corneal melting affecting at least 50% of the corneal diameter were included. Lesions ranged from deep stromal ulceration (66.7%) to descemetoceles (22.2%) and corneal perforations (11.1%), with mean horizontal and vertical involvement of approximately 68%. Following surgery, 8 of 9 eyes (88.9%) achieved successful corneal healing with globe retention, and 7 of the 8 preserved globes (87.5%) retained vision at final follow-up (mean 153 days). Post-operative observations included significant corneal vascularization, granulation tissue formation, fibrosis, and edema that gradually resolved. The technique demonstrates high efficacy for preserving globes and vision in dogs with severe melting ulcers, representing a valuable surgical option for this challenging condition.

This summary was distilled by AI and may occasionally misinterpret data. Confirm critical details with the primary literature before clinical application.