Descemetocele associated with bilateral dystichiasis in a dog: Case report

Abstract

This study aims to report a case of bilateral descemetocele associated with dystichiasis, which received surgical treatment. Bilateral keratoplasty with pedicled conjunctival flap and manual epilation. The patient (Shih Tzu dog, 5 years old) was seen at the Doctor Vet clinic (Nucleus of Veterinary Specialties), located in the Commercial Area Local Residencial Norte, Quadra 712, Bloco G, Loja 15 Asa Norte - Brasília DF. The tutor reported that the patient was quieter than usual, with a lot of eye discharge, keeping her eyes always closed and showing a lot of pain when cleaning. In the specific physical examination, the patient was responsive to the threat, when evaluating the eyeball, bilateral dystachiasis (eyelids), presence of greenish secretion in the mucosa of both eyes, hyperemic conjunctiva of both the right and left eyes was observed in the cornea was noted, with the aid of a slit lamp, the right eye with intense and diffuse edema with vessels and descemetocele, already in the left eye, in addition to the same corneal changes of the right eye, showed dorsal bullous keratitis. The fluorescein test was performed for diagnostic purposes. In view of the above, the animal was diagnosed with bilateral descemetocele and dystichiasis. For treatment, keratoplasty and manual epilation were indicated respectively. Keratoplasty using a pedicled conjunctival graft proved to be effective, repairing and preventing the progression of the descemetocele and consequently corneal rupture in both eyes, leaving only a scar on the cornea. However, since it is a patient who presents with cilia disorders, periodic clinical monitoring is essential.