Surgical Correction of Corneal Dermoid in the Dog

Abstract

Corneal dermoid is a congenital choriostoma characterized by the presence of heteropic cutaneous tissue in an inappropriate place (eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, nictitating membrane). This paper describes a surgical correction of this kind of disease in a large breed puppy. A 3-month-old female Doberman puppy was presented for repair of a corneal dermoid in left eye. Anamnesis and physical examination pointed out a chronic epiphora, ocular discharge, conjunctive hyperemia and a small lesion with hair at surface (about 4 mm diameter) at dorsal lateral site of cornea. After a careful anaesthesia and fixation of ocular globe, abdormal dermal tissue was complete eliminated using a blade no. 12. To facilitate healing we use like flap the third eyelid, sutured by three “U” points at the upper eyelid. Eye solutions and ointments (Corneregel, Mann Pharma and Kanamicina sulfat, Antibiotice SA, Iasi) were administrated for 15 days postoperatively. After removal of third eyelid flap, after 15 days, a little scar of tissue was observed and complete remission of clinical signs. We did not see any recurrences in time. Although hair of dermoid may be removed by manual epilation or electroepilation, it may regrow, so a complete surgical removal is a better option. Our study confirm that a superficial keratectomy for the total surgical removal of a corneal dermoid in puppies is a safe method which offer a good and aesthetic healing of cornea. The authors concluded that this method has a high probability of succes if proper intra and post surgical steps are carefully followed and the dermal tissue is completely removed.