References
Extended care report after graft surgery for a descemetocoele
Abstract
This article describes the nursing care provided to a pug treated with a conjunctival graft for a descemetocoele. A descemetocoele is a deep corneal lesion in which the corneal epithelium and stroma are destroyed, leaving a lesion lined only by Descemet's membrane and corneal endothelium. They are commonly seen in brachycephalic breeds and, if not treated with caution rapidly, can lead to a ruptured globe. Nursing care and restraint of these patients are important considerations for a successful outcome.
Species: canine
Breed: outcome.
Age: 9 years
Sex: male (neutered)
Weight: 5.4 kg
The patient was presented to the surgery with a 3-day history of a corneal ulcer in his left eye. His owners reported him to be inappetant, depressed and lethargic.
On examination the patient was very depressed and lethargic and there was marked blepharospasm of the left eye (Figure 1). The patient's temperature, pulse and respiration were all within normal limits.
Topical local anaesthetic proxymetacaine (Minims proxymetacaine) was applied and ophthalmic examination revealed a desmetocoele on his left cornea with severe uveitis and corneal oedema (Figure 2). Visible exudates of red blood cells (hyphaema) and white blood cells (hypopyon) within the anterior chamber were present. His intraocular pressure (IOP) was normal.
A descemetocoele is a true ophthalmic emergency. It is a deep corneal lesion in which the corneal epithelium and stroma are completely destroyed, leaving a lesion lined only by Descemet's membrane and corneal endothelium (Featherstone and Stanley, 2002).
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