Effect of Human Amniotic Membrane Transplantation in Reconstruction of Canine Corneal Wound

In our experimental study we evaluated the efficacy of human freeze-dried amniotic membrane on healing of corneal wound defect in dogs. A corneal wound was performed by using corneal trephine 8.5 mm in diameter. A total of 14 dogs were divided into two groups of 7 dogs in each: (A) Control group; (B) AM group treated by transplantation of freeze-dried human amniotic membrane in conjunction with a third eyelid flap. Clinical outcome was monitored by evaluation of epiphora, ocular discharge, corneal vascularization, corneal opacity and corneal epithelization at the 7th, 11th, 15th and 30th days post surgery. Fluorescein staining was used to estimate the closure of the corneal wounds. Histopathological examination was performed in two dogs of each group; the thickness of the newly generated cornea was measured by using Image j analysis software. The control group was complicated with severe neovascularization, ocular discharge and corneal opacity. There were excessive thickness in the stroma of control group as reflect of inflammatory reaction. The AM group showed mild degree vascularization which was completely absent by the end of experiment. Corneal epithelialization was completed within 15 days after the transplantation in the AM group. In conclusion, transplantation of human amniotic membrane improves canine corneal epithelial wound healing effectively.