Autologous lamellar keratoplasty for the treatment of feline corneal sequestrum: A retrospective study of 35 eyes (2012-2020).

Abstract

OBJECTIVE\nTo evaluate the use of autologous lamellar keratoplasty for the treatment of feline corneal sequestrum (FCS).\n\n\nPROCEDURE\nThe medical records of cats diagnosed with FCS that underwent autologous lamellar keratoplasty between 2012 and 2020 with a minimum of 2\xa0months of follow-up were reviewed. After keratectomy of FCS, a button adjacent to the corneal limbus was harvested on the same eye and sutured to the recipient bed. A nictitating membrane flap was left in place until the first recheck except for one patient. Postoperative treatment with topical and systemic antibiotics and systemic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications was prescribed. Follow-up examinations were carried out 2\xa0weeks, 1\xa0month and 2\xa0months post-operatively and consisted of a complete ophthalmic examination.\n\n\nRESULTS\nA total of 35 cats (35 eyes) were included. The median follow-up time was 3.2\xa0months (range, 2-59\xa0months). Brachycephalic cats were overrepresented (85.7%). The mean graft size was 6.5\xa0mm (range, 6-9\xa0mm). Minor complications consisting of melting and partial integration of the graft occurred in 2/35 eyes (5.7%). Recurrence was observed in 1/35 eyes (2.9%) and was managed by a superficial keratectomy. A good visual outcome was achieved in all eyes, and a faint or mild corneal opacification occurred in 15/35 (42.9%).\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nAutologous lamellar keratoplasty is an effective treatment for FCS, providing good tectonic support to the affected cornea and resulting in good visual and cosmetic outcomes. These results should be verified in future prospective studies that include a larger number of cases and longer-term follow-up.