Surgical management of a malacic corneal ulcer in a greater one-horned Asian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) using a free island tarsoconjunctival graft.

Abstract

A greater one-horned Asian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) presented for presumed ocular trauma to the left eye, with secondary bacterial infection, resulting in severe and progressive corneal ulceration. Following a poor response to medical therapy, the animal was anesthetized for further examination, and a bulbar conjunctival pedicle graft performed. This graft failed by 48-h postsurgery as a result of self-trauma. The animal was re-anesthetized, and a free island tarsoconjunctival graft performed. This second procedure was successful, resulting in globe preservation, cosmesis, and functional vision in the affected eye.

• Authors: Douglas W Esson, James F X Wellehan, Maud Lafortune, Alex Valverde, Scott B Citino
• Journal: Veterinary ophthalmology (Vet Ophthalmol) Vol. 9 Issue 1 Pg. 65-9 ( 2006) ISSN: 1463-5216 [Print] England
• PMID: 16409248 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Animals
• Animals, Zoo
• Conjunctiva (transplantation)
• Corneal Ulcer (therapy, veterinary)
• Male
• Perissodactyla
• Treatment Outcome