Premium
Treatment of six cases of equine corneal stromal abscessation with intracorneal injection of 5% voriconazole solution
Author(s) -
Smith Kathryn M.,
Pucket Jonathan D.,
Gilmour Margi A.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
veterinary ophthalmology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.594
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1463-5224
pISSN - 1463-5216
DOI - 10.1111/vop.12136
Subject(s) - medicine , voriconazole , surgery , stromal cell , blepharospasm , dermatology , pathology , antifungal , botulinum toxin
Objective To describe a reproducible technique for intrastromal injection in the standing horse for treatment of corneal stromal abscessation. Animal Studied A retrospective clinical study addressing the history, treatment, and outcome of six equids (six eyes) that received intrastromal voriconazole injection. Procedure Equids having a deep stromal abscess suspected to be of fungal origin were administered intrastromal injection of 5% voriconazole solution under standing sedation in an effort to bring about enhanced resolution of clinical disease. Results Intracorneal administration of 5% voriconazole solution resulted in resolution of clinical disease, specifically stromal abscessation and secondary uveitis. All animals displayed decreased blepharospasm and no significant complications in the immediate postinjection period. Convalescent periods were subjectively shorter than anticipated with traditional medical therapy. All animals developed mild to moderate stromal fibrosis relative to the initial severity and depth of abscessation. Conclusions Intrastromal injection of 5% voriconazole solution may provide a safe and effective treatment option for corneal stromal abscessation in horses. In all reported cases, administration of injection early in the treatment period appeared to contribute to rapid resolution of clinical disease without significant complications. The authors present this technique as an alternative to traditional surgical intervention, being more economical, having shorter treatment duration, and potentially resulting in less scar formation.