ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To determine the morphologic features of the epithelium and extracellular matrix in spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCED) in dogs. METHODS: Forty-eight superficial keratectomy specimens were obtained after confirmation of the presence of a superficial corneal erosion for longer than 3 weeks with no discernible underlying cause. Histologic samples were examined by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Immunolocalization of laminin, collagen IV, fibronectin, and collagen VII was performed. RESULTS: Epithelial cells adjacent to the defect were poorly attached to the underlying extracellular matrix. A prominent superficial stromal hyaline acellular zone composed of collagen fibrils in the area of the erosion was present in most specimens. Samples exhibited a varying degree of fibroplasia, vascularization, and leukocytic infiltrate. Laminin, collagen IV, and collagen VII were usually either not present or were present only in discontinuous segments on the surface of the erosion. Fibronectin usually coated the surface of the erosion, either as a continuous sheet or in discontinuous segments. Transmission electron microscopy of 15 samples revealed that the basement membrane was either absent in the area of the erosion or was present only in discontinuous segments. Scanning electron microscopy of eight of nine samples confirmed the absence of continuous basement membrane. Epithelial and extracellular matrix components in the peripheral cornea appeared normal. CONCLUSIONS: Most canine patients with spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects do not have a normal basement membrane structure in the region of the epithelial defect and have other abnormalities in the subjacent extracellular matrix that may reflect a part of the underlying pathophysiology of chronic and recurrent erosions.
Subject(s)
Corneal Diseases/veterinary , Dog Diseases/pathology , Epithelium, Corneal/pathology , Animals , Basement Membrane/metabolism , Basement Membrane/ultrastructure , Chronic Disease , Collagen/metabolism , Corneal Diseases/metabolism , Corneal Diseases/pathology , Dog Diseases/metabolism , Dogs , Epithelium, Corneal/metabolism , Female , Fibronectins/metabolism , Immunoenzyme Techniques , Laminin/metabolism , Male , Microscopy, Electron, ScanningABSTRACT
Conjunctivorhinostomy, a surgical technique for the control of epiphora, was developed for use in the dog and cat. The method was performed 32 times in 21 animals, with varying degrees of success. It was concluded that the technique has potential as an effective procedure.
