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Clinical management of Candida albicans keratomycosis in a bottlenose dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus )
Author(s) -
Simeone Claire A.,
Traversi John P.,
Meegan Jenny M.,
LeBert Carolina,
Colitz Carmen M. H.,
Jensen Eric D.
Publication year - 2018
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.12459
Subject(s) - candida albicans , medicine , corneal opacity , keratitis , bottlenose dolphin , corneal ulceration , cornea , pathology , ophthalmology , dermatology , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , fishery
Objective Corneal ulceration secondary to trauma commonly affects marine mammals, often with opportunistic secondary bacterial or fungal infections. This report characterizes the combined use of auriculopalpebral and ophthalmic nerve blocks, adipose‐derived stem cells, and subconjunctival injections for successful treatment of corneal trauma and infection in dolphins. Animal studied An 11‐year‐old, female bottlenose dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus ) presented with bilateral diffuse corneal opacities, which progressed to keratomycosis caused by Candida albicans . Procedure Aggressive medical management was employed, including the use of subconjunctival injections of adipose‐derived stem cells, plasma, topical and oral antifungals and antibiotics, and anti‐inflammatory and pain medications. Anesthetic block of the auriculopalpebral and ophthalmic nerves was employed to evaluate the corneas. Conclusion Subconjunctival injections were employed over 52 days, followed by topical drops for 5 months. At last evaluation, there was no evidence of blepharospasm bilaterally. Only a faint superficial gray corneal opacity remained OS . A temporal paraxial corneal opacity was present OD , with receding inactive vascularization and a small amount of melanosis temporally.