Premium
Episcleral cyclosporine A implants for the management of unilateral keratoconjunctivitis sicca in an 8‐year‐old mare
Author(s) -
Mackenzie Catriona J.,
Carslake Harry B.,
Robin Matthew,
Kent Rebecca J.,
Malalana Fernando
Publication year - 2017
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.12368
Subject(s) - medicine , blepharospasm , keratoconjunctivitis sicca , blepharitis , implant , keratoconjunctivitis , eyelid , artificial tears , cornea , ophthalmology , physical examination , surgery , edema , keratitis , dermatology , botulinum toxin
Abstract An 8‐year‐old mare was presented for investigation of a 1‐month history of blepharospasm, eyelid swelling, corneal edema, and ocular discharge of the right eye ( OD ). Ophthalmic examination confirmed mucopurulent ocular discharge, conjunctival hyperemia, and a dry, dull appearance to the cornea OD . Schirmer tear test results confirmed an absence of tear production OD (0 mm/min) consistent with keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Treatment with topical 0.2% cyclosporine A resulted in an improvement in clinical signs. An episcleral cyclosporine A implant was placed under standing sedation 5 days after initial presentation. Re‐examination 9 days post‐operatively confirmed that the mare's tear production in the right eye had improved and no further clinical signs had been observed. Topical medications were gradually discontinued. Re‐examinations performed up to 12 months postsurgery showed no recurrence of clinical signs and no adverse effects of the implant. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of a cyclosporine A implant in the management of KCS in a horse and highlights its potential as an effective, alternative therapy in the management of KCS in horses.