November Pulse Article (PART 5 OF 12, COMMON SMALL ANIMAL CORNEAL DISEASES)
November 21, 2018
Corneal disease represents potentially the most common ophthalmic presentation in general practice.
Corneal dystrophydescribes a group of disorders, likely hereditary in etiology, resulting from an accumulation of cholesterol, phospholipids & free fatty acids. Lesions appear as grey/white, crystalline, relucencies within the stroma. This disorder is typically bilateral in presentation and inflammatory changes are not usually present. Multiple patterns of corneal dystrophy have been described. Treatment is not typically necessary. Commonly affected breeds include the King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, Siberian Husky & Beagle.
Corneal degenerationrepresents corneal pathology secondary to ocular inflammation. Degenerative changes appear as irregular, asymmetric grey/white deposits within the cornea. Lesions may be unilateral or bilateral and are typically associated with neovascularization. Mineralized tissue may spontaneously slough, particularly in geriatric patients. Deposits may be removed where indicated via keratectomy. Exposed mineral may also be partially chelated using topical EDTA solution until re-epithelialization is complete.
Corneal endothelial decompensationrepresents a progressive loss of corneal endothelial cell function & density and results in slowly progressive corneal edema, marked by blue/grey discoloration & thickening. The disease is bilateral though not always symmetrical. Commonly affected breeds include the Boston Terrier & the Dachshund. When indicated, definitive surgical treatment includes limited thermo or CO2 laser keratoplasty, the placement of a “Gunderson” conjunctival pedicle graft or penetrating keratoplasty.
Chronic superficial keratitis(“pannus”) describes a bilateral inflammatory condition, which predominantly affects the corneal tissues. Changes encompass vascular proliferation, inflammatory cell infiltration & secondary pigment deposition. Adjacent eyelid margin, conjunctival and third eyelid inflammation are frequently associated with this process. Commonly affected breeds include the German Shepherd & Belgian Malinois. Inflammatory changes typically respond to topical anti-inflammatory therapy using corticosteroids (+/- topical immune-suppressive agents including cyclosporine &/or tacrolimus). CSK is easily controlled in most cases, however ongoing topical therapy is typically required in order to prevent a recurrence of symptoms. In unusually severe & chronic cases, surgical superficial keratectomy +/- the use of adjunctive B-radiation may be indicated.
Eosinophillic keratoconjunctivitisdescribes an infiltration of the feline corneal and/or conjunctival tissues with an eosinophil-rich inflammatory infiltrate. The relationship between herpesviral disease and this process remains unclear. Affected cats display variable cream to white-colored corneal infiltration & “plaque-like” deposition. Treatment comprises topical and/or systemic anti-inflammatory therapy.
The feline cornealsequestrumrepresents a localized region of corneal necrosis. Clinically, corneal sequestrums appear as tan to brown regions which may vary in both size & depth and may or may not be associated with concurrent ulceration. The condition may be unilateral or bilateral. Chronic pre-existing keratitis, corneal ulceration, the performing of inappropriate “grid keratotomies” and/or the presence of FHV-1 as well as breed predispositions are potential contributory factors. The treatment of choice for corneal sequsetrums is excision via surgical keratectomy, facilitated by operating microscopy.
Corneal ulcerationmay arise secondary to a multitude of etiologies including conformational abnormalities, tear-film deficiencies (quantitative and/or qualitative), neurological dysfunction, trauma and/or microbial contamination;
Spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects(SCCEDs or “Boxer” ulcers) likely arise as a result of corneal micro-trauma in association with pre-existing structural &/or physiological corneal abnormalities. Clinically, SCCEDs present as superficial lesions typically surrounded by a rim of poorly adherent epithelial tissue, which is easily under-run by fluorescein creating a “halo” effect following corneal staining. Commonly affected breeds include the Boxer, Boston Terrier & French Bulldog. SCCEDs are treated by physical debridement of both loose superficial epithelial tissue as well as the underlying stromal surface.
Tissue dissolution through the action of enzymatic proteases is a normal part of the healing and remodeling process, however, uncontrolled lysis or “melting” of corneal tissue may result in significantkeratomalacia. Appropriate topical therapeutic agents include serum, EDTA and/or N-acetyl cysteine. Anti-collagenases should be applied frequently.
Bacterial keratitis should be treated using appropriate antimicrobials. Ideally, therapy should be based on cytological interpretation & gram’s staining as well as the subsequent culture & sensitivity testing of microbial samples. In severe cases, or those associated with existing or impending corneal rupture, surgical tectonic corneal grafting procedures may be indicated.
Multipleneoplasticprocessesmay affect the corneal tissues including melanocytoma, lymphoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The management of each tumor type is beyond the scope of this brief clinical review however typically encompasses excision where possible in combination with adjunctive radio/chemo therapy where indicated &/or the involvement of a veterinary oncologist.
Dr Esson is a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist with more than twenty years of clinical experience and multiple areas of interest & expertise. His clinicVeterinary Ophthalmic Consultingis family owned & operated and he takes great pride & pleasure in working closely with his friends and colleagues in the greater Southern California veterinary community.
