Recurrent Corneal Epithelial Erosions in The Dog in Italy

Abstract

The 102 dogs discussed in this report present 123 cases of recurrent corneal epithelial erosion arising from a suspected primary basement membrane abnormality. Eighty of the dogs were purebred and 22 were mixedbreed. The most common breeds were Boxers (33 cases), Yorkshire Terriers¹³⁾, German Shepherds⁷⁾, and Miniature Poodles⁴⁾. Ages ranged from 3,5 months to 14 years with an average of 6,7 years. Sixty-three were male and 39 female. Forty-nine right and 62 left eyes were affected, with 6 erosions bilateral. The most common presenting complaints were: a non healing corneal ulcers, lacrimation, and blepharospasm. Debridement using sterile cotton-tipped swabs and grid keratotomy with a 25 G needle were performed in all cases, and repeated, if not healed, 15 days later. In the second treatment session a soft contact lens (SCL) was also inserted. In 21 dogs debridement, grid keratotomy and application of the SCL were performed at the first examination. The corneal erosions that were not healed after thirty days by these therapies were then treated with superficial keratectomy. Sixty-eight erosions healed by the first treatment, 26 by the second, 21 by the direct application of the SCL, and in only 2 cases was a keratectomy performed. Six cases were lost to follow-up. The mean time of healing was 19 days.