Conjunctival Pedicle Graft for the Treatment of Deep and Perfuraded Corneal Ulcers in Dogs

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to present the conjunctival pedicled graft technique in the surgical treatment for deep stromal ulcers, decemetoceles, and corneal perforations in dogs, and to determine the effectiveness of this technique in ulcer healing and preservation of vision. This type of ulcer has been and should be treated as a surgical emergency because of the risk of rupture and vision loss. The conjunctival graft is the treatment of choice, because it provides blood supply to the cornea, contributing to the healing and integrity of the segment. The pedicle type graft was employed because it provides tissue mobility, easy visualization, and topical application of drugs, therefore reducing the dehiscence rate. This study included 10 dogs of different breeds, with procedures performed between January and October 2022 at the Animal Eye Institute clinic, located in Cincinnati/OH. With data collection, it was possible to verify the effectiveness of this technique to treat deep and perforated ulcers and the prevalence of these types of ulcers in brachycephalic dogs.