title: Porcine urinary bladder extracellular matrix grafts (ACell Vet® Corneal Discs) for keratomalacia in 17 equids (2012-2013).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the clinical course, outcomes, and complications associated with use of commercially available porcine urinary bladder extracellular matrix (ECM) grafts (ACell Vet(®) Corneal Discs) in equid patients with keratomalacia, and to evaluate the efficacy of ECM grafts as a viable alternative to other biomaterials for corneal grafting in equid patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen horses and one donkey (17 eyes) with unilateral keratomalacia severe enough to warrant surgical repair between August 2012 and September 2013.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective medical record review to identify equid patients meeting inclusion criteria of (i) diagnosis with keratomalacia severe enough to warrant surgical repair and (ii) surgical repair with an extracellular matrix graft.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eleven geldings, four mares, and two colts met inclusion criteria. Patients averaged 9 years of age. Twelve of 17 eyes (71%) were considered infected based on either corneal cytology (10/17, or 59%) or corneal culture (12/17, or 71%) positive for bacteria (8/17, or 47%) or fungi (9/17, or 53%). At the time topical medications were discontinued, 16 eyes (94%) were visual. One operated eye ruptured 5 days postoperatively and was enucleated. Keratouveitis developed in 14/14 eyes that underwent regular examinations approximately 2 weeks postoperatively which responded to systemic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Extracellular matrix grafts may be a viable alternative to other biomaterials for corneal grafting in equids. Advantages include commercial availability and shelf storage.
authors.affiliation: New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 382 W. Street Road, Kennett Square, PA, 19348, USA.
authors.forename: Laura A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Mancuso
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lassaline
authors.affiliation: New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 382 W. Street Road, Kennett Square, PA, 19348, USA.
authors.forename: Nicole M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Scherrer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D016039:Corneal Transplantation / Q000662:veterinary*; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000637:transplantation*; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006736:Horses; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013552:Swine; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D001743:Urinary Bladder; D014802:Vitamin A Deficiency / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*
keywords: equine; extracellular matrix; graft; keratitis; ulcer