[ID 137] EQUINE ENUCLEATION SURGERY: CASE REPORT

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The eyes are frequently affected by trauma that, in terms of severity, can vary from a mild conjunctival lesion to a severe laceration of the cornea with rupture of the eyeball. In cases of eye perforation, depending on the cause and severity of the injury, surgical intervention is the treatment of choice. Clinical diagnosis is based on observation of corneal surface irregularities, iris prolapse, decreased intraocular pressure, shallow anterior chamber, and aqueous humor extravasation

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of enucleation in the horse, resulting from a perforation of the eyeball by a sharp object.

METHODS: A 7-year-old male Mangalarga Marchador horse was treated after perforation of the globe by wood fragments, with 15 days of evolution.

RESULTS: The patient had blepharospasm, photophobia, chemosis and epiphora, in addition to poor visual acuity. After an ophthalmic examination, corneal edema, hyphema, moderate conjunctival hyperemia and a fragment of the foreign body (FB) could be observed. After unsuccessful attempts at conservative treatment with the administration of systemic anti-inflammatory drugs (flunixin meglumine, 1mg/kg) and antibiotics (Ceftiofur 2mg/kg), we opted for the surgical procedure. The surgical technique used consisted of evisceration of all intraocular contents. Postoperative management with flunixin meglumine and ceftiofur IV was sufficient to promote comfort and prevent infections. Enucleation causes facial deformities, a characteristic that is often unpleasant for the owner.

CONCLUSION: In short, this report demonstrated that performing enucleation is an excellent alternative, generating more aesthetically appropriate results in horses.