Abstracts

Purpose: Surgical techniques described in the literature are indicated for the correction and restoration of vision.These include pedicled conjunctival grafts, free conjunctival and corneal grafts, corneoconjunctival transposition, and keratoplasties.The objective of this study was to establish a consensus on which microsurgical techniques would be applicable to the treatment of corneal ulcers in companion animals, with results aimed at restoring the cornea, based on the experience of veterinary ophthalmology specialists in Brazil, which could serve as a guideline for those practicing in the field.Methods: During the 18th Brazilian Congress of Veterinary Ophthalmology held in 2023, an electronic questionnaire was administered in a live session to 33 veterinary ophthalmologists certified by the Brazilian College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (CBOV) regarding the surgical treatment of ulcerative keratitis.The questionnaire included 10 questions about established surgical techniques and their main indications, preferred materials, and resolution time.Results: Most responses from specialists suggest that for each type of ulcerative keratitis in dogs and cats, there is at least one more suitable surgical technique.The percentages of the use of different techniques were as follows: 84.8% used corneoconjunctival transposition, 60.6% used pedicled conjunctival graft, 51.5% indicated the use of commercially available porcine intestinal submucosa membrane cornea, 33.3% used frozen cornea, and 24.2% used lyophilized amniotic membrane, especially in cases of deep corneal ulcers.Regarding indolent ulcers, 69.7% and 30.3% indicated debridement with a drill and grid keratotomy, respectively.Conclusion: Given the options of autogenous and commercial biological grafts, it is accepted among specialists that there is a preference for the use of corneoconjunctival transposition and pedicled conjunctival graft for the surgical treatment of corneal ulcers in dogs and cats.It is emphasized that the choice of the ideal type of graft should be directed for each clinical case, considering primarily the location of the corneal lesion, the ocular and systemic health, and the experience of the surgeon.