Reincident corneal epithelial inclusion cyst in a dog: a case report

Abstract

An unilateral corneal epithelial inclusion cyst (CEIC) in a 8-years-old female mixed Poodle is reported. The cyst had been observed for 60 days, was unique, not congenital and only one eye was involved. One year prior to the referral the dog was treated with antibiotics due to an ocular trauma caused by a fight with a cat. In the same eye, palpebral melanocytic tumor and corneal dystrophy were also observed. In order to remove the CEIC a superficial keratectomy was performed. Collagen contact lens and topical antibiotics were the medical treatment of choice. Fifteen month after surgery the dog was referred for recurrence of the CEIC. A second keratectomy and similar topical treatment was attempted again. A second recurrence 16 months after surgery has not been observed to the date. Cytology and histology analysis of the cyst confirmed the diagnosis of the CEIC. Microbiologic studies were also realized and <i>Staphylococcus epidermidis</i> was aisled twice in fifteen months. In this case a relapsing CEIC is reported associated to <i>S. epidermidis</i> contamination. Corneal dystrophy and palpebral melanoma were concomitant lesions, although no relations with the CEIC were concluded.