Surgical management of a malacic corneal ulcer in a greater one-horned Asian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) using a free island tarsoconjunctival graft.
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.
Esson
Douglas W
DW
Eye Care for Animals, Tustin, CA 92780, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610, USA. desson@eyeclinicforanimals.com
Wellehan
James F X
JF
Lafortune
Maud
M
Valverde
Alex
A
Citino
Scott B
SB
D000818:Animals; D000836:Animals, Zoo; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000637:transplantation*; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D010527:Perissodactyla; D016896:Treatment Outcome