The Management and Treatment of Keratoconjunctivitis in A 6-Month-Old Lamb: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Infectious keratoconjunctivitis, commonly known as pinkeye or contagious ophthalmia, is a bacterial disease that affects the healthy eyes. This infection causes inflammation in the tissue lining the eyelid, the conjunctiva, and the cornea of one or both eyes. Case report: A 6-month-old male Afshari breed sheep with symptoms of blepharospasm, keratoconjunctivitis, and ocular discharge was referred to a veterinary clinic in Mashhad, Iran. Upon ophthalmic examination of both eyes, the signs included conjunctivitis, generalized corneal opacity, blepharospasm, epiphora, positive menace response, and elevated intraocular pressure were observed. The clinical signs suggested Infectious keratoconjunctivitis by Mycoplasma. To detect Mycoplasma, immunofluorescence tests, and growth inhibition tests were conducted using anti-sera. Mycoplasma was isolated from the samples. The sheep was treated with a single intramuscular injection of long-acting tetracycline at a dosage of 20mg/kg. The topical tetracycline ointments were used and applied 4 times daily for 6 days. The topical ophthalmic application of 1% atropine ointment 3 times daily was used due to pain as a consequence of uveitis for 3 days. Due to the mydriasis caused by atropine, animals undergoing treatment were provided with shade. For pain relief, meloxicam (1 ml/50 kg) is utilized to alleviate the clinical signs of the disease. After 10 days of treatment, the clinical signs returned to normal. Conclusion: The clinical signs and subclinical tests confirmed keratoconjunctivitis caused by Mycoplasma. The successful treatment of this disease by following the above-mentioned treatment method can help clinicians and researchers in similar cases.