Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Thrissur-680 651 (Kerala)
Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar-585 401 (Karnataka)
Five cases (four dogs) with different degrees of corneal ulcer were treated using collagen diskette and progress of healing was observed to a maximum period of three months (One dog was bilaterally affected). Tarsorrhaphy was performed to retain the diskette in position. Healing was evaluated using fluorescein staining, exfoliative cytology of the lacrimal smear and by direct visual evaluation in all the cases at regular intervals. The diskettes dissolved within three days in all the cases. There was no adverse reaction to the material in any of the animals studied. All the eyes became fluorescein test negative by about 7th postoperative day. Exfoliative cytology was found to be a reliable method for assessment of corneal integrity in these cases. Gradual clearing of the cornea was observed and the total time taken for complete healing varied depending upon the severity of the condition. By the end of second month itself, the ulcerated corneas regained clarity of most of the part.
