Case Studies
Molly was running through bush when a 0.5cm thorn from a shrub lodged in her cornea. This was removed with the aid of the operating microscope. The laceration in the cornea was sutured. This healed with a small scar saving Molly’s vision.
Goldie had her eye scratched during a fight with another cat. It became infected and developed into a nasty deep corneal ulcer. Along with medical treatment, a conjunctival graft was surgically placed to allow the ulcer to heal and strengthen the cornea. The graft was later cut to allow the cornea to clear. Eventually the cornea will clear totally, and Goldie will have good vision in her injured eye. Her owner is happy with her progress!
Milo, a middle-aged Labrador had cancer inside his right eye. His eye was sore and would bleed inside. The decision was made to remove his eye so the cancer would not spread to other parts of his body and he would be more comfortable. Once the eye is removed, we stitch the skin together over the eye socket. A silicone ball can be placed in the eye socket under the skin, so a hollow does not occur. Milo’s owner was pleased with the result and Milo was happier without his sore eye.
Sometimes cats develop pigment spots on their iris. This can develop into melanoma and then the eye may need to be removed to prevent spread of the cancer. It is important to have these eyes checked on a regular basis. Basil’s right eye developed iris melanoma and was removed. No silicone ball was placed in his eye socket.
A black area develops in the cornea of some cats. This is painful and although these lesions may occasionally fall off, they can also lead to perforation and loss of the eye if not treated. The best treatment is surgical excision of the black area of cornea. The cornea is thin so a graft of either cornea, conjunctiva or sometimes A-cell graft may be sutured in the defect. When this heals, the eye is comfortable and often has good vision after a few months depending on the type of graft and severity of the sequestrum.
