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  • Author or Editor: Hannah L. Smith x
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Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To determine clinical outcome, treatment costs, and hospitalization duration in horses treated for keratomycosis and identify ophthalmic examination and diagnostic results associated with these outcomes.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of 126 equine keratomycosis cases between 2004 and 2020 with fungal infection confirmed on cytology, culture, and/or histopathology and a minimum of 1-month follow-up. Details of the ophthalmic examination, diagnostic test results, and treatment and cost outcomes were recorded. Outcomes of interest were analyzed by treatment type. The relationship of patient and diagnostic test variables to the outcomes of interest was determined via logistic and linear regression models.

RESULTS

Globe retention and positive visual outcome occurred in 82.5% and 78.9% of medically and 88.4% and 85.5% of surgically treated cases, respectively. While not statistically significant, there were more positive clinical outcomes with surgery; in recent years, the globe and vision were preserved in 94.7% of cases following penetrating keratoplasty. The choice to pursue surgery was related to lesion depth. Medical treatment was associated with statistically shorter hospitalization times and lower total and hospitalization invoices compared to all surgical treatments. Diagnosis of stromal abscess was associated with higher total invoice and longer hospitalization times compared to ulcerative keratomycosis, although clinical outcomes were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall positive clinical outcomes were achieved despite the severity of the disease in many cases, highlighting the need for appropriate treatment selection based on clinical presentation.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Expanding knowledge of clinical decision-making, treatment options, and associated clinical and financial outcomes may further improve outcomes for equine keratomycosis patients.

Open access
in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

The primary aims were to provide descriptive data on systemic and ocular complications associated with the treatment of equine keratomycosis. The secondary aims were to determine if complication rates differ between treatment types or are related to surgical and anesthetic factors.

METHODS

The study was a retrospective evaluation of 126 cases between 2004 and 2020 with confirmed fungal infection and recorded incidence of complications during hospitalization and surgical intervention if pursued. Additional information recorded included the size of the donor graft if utilized, time under general anesthesia, and prescribed medications. Fisher exact and χ2 tests were used to evaluate complication frequency differences. Logistic regression models determined the effects of donor graft size, anesthesia time, and duration of hospitalization on complication rates.

RESULTS

Hypercreatininemia followed by colic were the most frequent systemic complications in the medical treatment group. Colic and conjunctival graft dehiscence were the most frequent systemic and ocular complications in all surgery treatment groups, respectively. The frequency of systemic complications did not vary between treatment groups, although colic rates were significantly higher following general anesthesia. All colic cases were resolved with supportive care. Donor graft size, anesthesia time, and duration of hospitalization did not impact complication frequency. The mainstays of medical therapy included topical fluoroquinolones, topical voriconazole, topical atropine, oral NSAIDS, and oral gastroprotectants.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of keratomycosis is associated with a range of complications. Colic remains a significant risk, with increased frequency reported following general anesthesia.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Reporting common complications associated with treatment aids in decision-making for equine clinicians and owners.

Open access
in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether novel pre- and postsurgical ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) measurements of the canine ciliary cleft (CC) are associated with postoperative ocular hypertension (POH) following cataract surgery and to explore the relationship between intraocular pressure and CC UBM measurements.

METHODS

Following pharmacologic mydriasis, UBM images were obtained from 31 client-owned dogs before elective cataract surgery, immediately postsurgery, and 4 to 6 hours following surgery or while experiencing POH ≥ 25 mm Hg. Presurgery and the pre- to postsurgery change in CC measurements were assessed for association with POH using individual mixed-effects logistic regression models and forward variable selection models. Linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the relationship of intraocular pressure to UBM measurements within the same eye across multiple time points.

RESULTS

Presurgical measurements were not predictive of POH development. An increase in pectinate ligament distance and CC area from presurgical baseline to immediate postsurgical measurement was associated with reduced odds of developing POH, while increasing CC length (from apex to mid point on the pectinate ligament) from pre- to postsurgery and immature cataracts was associated with increased odds of POH.

CONCLUSIONs

The change in CC morphology following cataract surgery appears more impactful in the development of POH than individual variations in presurgery CC measurements. Several changes in the CC dimensions following surgery appear associated with POH risk.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This understanding of a potential mechanism of POH development opens new avenues for researching preventative measures associated with modifying surgical techniques to influence CC morphology following cataract surgery.

Restricted access
in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association