A literature review of: Corneal surgeries for septic keratitis treatment in horses

Abstract

The equine cornea is constantly exposed to infectious agents due to their lateral globe position and their living environment [1]. Although several bacteria and fungi are resident in the normal ocular surface flora, they may become pathogenic causing extensive damage to the corneal tissue[2]. Pseudomonas aeruginosa together with the beta hemolytic streptococcus are found to be two of the most invasive bacteria causing harm to the corneal surface together with fungus spp, like Fusarium and Aspergillus [1][3][4]. They have several characteristics which make them able to extend deep into the cornea causing keratomalacia, descemetocele and stromal abscesses [1] These serious infections may lead to vison threatening processes with a potential risk for loss of the globe if not treated. Candidates for keratoplasty are based on factors such as poor response to medical therapy, the size and intensity of the corneal lesion, severity of reflex anterior uveitis, and degree of corneal vascularization [5].