Surgical management of a malacic corneal ulcer in a greater one-horned Asian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) using a free island tarsoconjunctival graft

Authors: Esson, Douglas W.¹; Wellehan, James F. X.²; Lafortune, Maud²; Valverde, Alex²; Citino, Scott B.³

Source: Veterinary Ophthalmology, Volume 9, Number 1, January 2006 , pp. 65-69(5)

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Abstract:

A greater one-horned Asian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) presented for presumed ocular trauma to the left eye, with secondary bacterial infection, resulting in severe and progressive corneal ulceration. Following a poor response to medical therapy, the animal was anesthetized for further examination, and a bulbar conjunctival pedicle graft performed. This graft failed by 48-h postsurgery as a result of self-trauma. The animal was re-anesthetized, and a free island tarsoconjunctival graft performed. This second procedure was successful, resulting in globe preservation, cosmesis, and functional vision in the affected eye.

Keywords: Asian rhinoceros; island; tarsoconjunctival graft

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1463-5224.2005.00440.x

Affiliations: 1: Eye Care for Animals, Tustin, CA 92780; 2: College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610; 3: White Oak Conservation Center, 581705 White Oak Road, Yulee, FL 32097

Publication date: 2006-01-01