Aspectos clínicos de implantes de membrana amniótica no reparo da córnea em cães com úlceras complicadas / Clinical aspects of amniotic membrane implants in corneal repair in dogs with complicated ulcers

ABSTRACT

Background: Among numerous disorders treated by veterinary ophthalmology, therapies employed to solve corneal ulcers stand out. Amniotic membrane transplantation is an effective surgical technique for the treatment of complicated corneal ulcers in the dog, with highly satisfactory visual and cosmetic outcomes. However, in veterinary ophthalmology, reports on the use of the amniotic membrane and its corneal reconstructive potential are scarce. The objective of this work was to evaluate, for 21 days, the clinical aspects and the effectiveness of transplantation of canine amniotic membrane for corneal healing in two cases of complicated ulcers in dogs. Cases Two Shih-Tzu dogs were diagnosed with complicated corneal ulcer. They underwent surgical treatment with the use of a glycerin-preserved canine amniotic membrane implant, which was secured on the cornea or the limbus. A surgical microscope at a magnification of 16x was used. The devitalized tissues at the periphery of the ulcer were excised, and multiple layers of amniotic membranes were sutured onto the cornea and near the limbus with interrupted absorbable suture. Protection of the canine amniotic membrane implants was performed with a scarified third eyelid flap, which was attached to the upper eyelid, and maintained for 14 days. During the first 14 days after the procedure, topical treatment with antibiotic eye drops was administered; protease inhibitors were also used. Antibiotics were used systemically for 10 days. Between days 14 and 21 after the transplantation procedure, protease inhibitors, corticosteroids, and lubricant were administered topically. Healing and clinical aspects were evaluated on days 0, 14, and 21. The parameters evaluated were blepharospasm, dazzle and direct pupillary reflexes, and consensual and threat responses. Corneal vascularization, hypopyon, synechia, opacity, and fluorescein dye penetration into the...