A Surgical Technique for Removal of Setaria digitata From the Anterior Chamber Under Standing Sedation: Outcomes in 12 Horses.

Viscoelastic-assisted removal of Setaria digitata in standing horses is rapid and field-applicable.

This case series describes a novel surgical technique for removing Setaria digitata nematodes from the anterior chamber of equine eyes under standing sedation rather than general anesthesia. Twelve client-owned horses presenting with motile intracameral worms underwent surgery using xylazine and butorphanol sedation combined with regional nerve blocks and topical anesthesia. A 2.8 mm self-sealing corneal incision was created ventrolaterally, and dispersive hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) was used to facilitate atraumatic worm extrusion. The technique achieved successful worm removal in 11/12 eyes (91.7%) with a median extraction time of 2 minutes. Vision was retained or regained in 75% of eyes within 7 days, with postoperative complications limited to transient corneal edema and anterior chamber fibrin formation. The authors conclude that while not replacing general anesthesia surgery, this viscoelastic-assisted technique represents a rapid, minimally invasive, field-applicable approach suitable for appropriately trained ophthalmic surgeons.

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