Experience of using autologous cornea for deep and penetrating keratoplasty in dogs and cats

Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology – MVA named after K. I. Scriabin, Moscow, Russia

^* Corresponding author: annatrukhan@mail.ru

Abstract

This paper presents a generalized experience in the treatment of deep corneal ulcers, descemetoceles and perforated corneal ulcers in which keratoplasty was used using autologous cornea. Deep corneal ulcers are characterized by an acute inflammatory process and the risk of developing many complications leading to loss of vision. Conservative treatment of such pathologies takes a long time and is not always successful. Keratoplasty for corneal transplantation is considered an effective method. The outcome of the operation depends on the transplanted material and postoperative treatment tactics. The work conducted a study on the effectiveness of using autologous cornea in 32 animals with subsequent inclusion of a regenerative drug in the treatment regimen. The authors describe the clinical picture, the surgical technique, and provide the results of dynamic observation of animals. Based on the results of clinical observations, it was established that the use of autologous cornea for deep corneal ulcers can be an effective treatment method. In none of the 32 cases examined, rejection was recorded, while the morphofunctional characteristics of the cornea were preserved. Drug maintenance therapy, including a regenerative drug, showed good results in the postoperative period. The use of a regenerative drug accelerated the healing process and made it possible to maintain the transparency of the cornea and its curvature.