Superficial keratectomy for the treatment of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects in dogs

Abstract Objective To report the outcome of superficial keratectomy with bandage contact lens placement for the treatment of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs) in dogs. Methods Patients that underwent a superficial keratectomy with bandage lens placement for the treatment of one or more SCCEDs were retrospectively included in the study. Signalment, eye(s) affected, prior medical therapy and any procedures performed, post‐operative medical therapy, healing rate, and any post‐operative complications were recorded. Superficial keratectomy was performed to approximately one‐fifth of corneal depth under operating microscope guidance and a bandage lens was placed immediately post‐operatively. Corneas were considered healed when the fluorescein stain was negative. Results One hundred and seven dogs met the inclusion criteria with 121 SCCEDs. The mean age of patients was 8.34 ± 2.89 years (1–15). Ninety‐nine percent (120/121) of SCCEDS healed with no additional treatment within 21 days of surgery. One eye had a diamond burr debridement performed on Day 14 post‐operatively and healed 2 weeks following the additional procedure. No post‐operative complications were noted. Conclusions This study found superficial keratectomy with bandage lens placement to be an effective treatment for SCCEDs.