Corneal Endothelial Degeneration
The cornea is the clear window at the front of the eye. It is approximately 0.7mm thick. The corneal endothelium is a one cell layer structure on the inside of your pet's cornea. Its job is to keep the cornea dehydrated, by pumping fluid out of the cornea. When it degenerates, the cornea becomes water logged allowing blisters and ulcers to form. A Registered Veterinary Eye Specialist examines this layer carefully with a slit-lamp and ensures there are no other disease processes in the eye.
What are the clinical signs of endothelial degeneration?
Breeds predisposed
Boston Terriers, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas and Springer Spaniels are predisposed to endothelial degeneration. In addition older dogs, intraocular inflammation and intraocular surgery may contribute to corneal endothelial degeneration.
Medical management
Initially hypertonic saline drops or ointments can be trialled to dehydrate the cornea. Unfortunately as the disease progresses, and more cells are lost, medication alone is insufficient to stabilise the cornea.
Surgery
There are three main surgical techniques performed by Registered Veterinary Eye Specialists.
Note: Corneal transplantation is not suitable in dogs as graft rejection is high.
Should you have any questions or concerns please contact us on 03 9545 0103.
The cornea is the clear window at the front of the eye. It is approximately 0.7mm thick. The corneal endothelium is a one cell layer structure on the inside of your pet's cornea. Its job is to keep the cornea dehydrated, by pumping fluid out of the cornea. When it degenerates, the cornea becomes water logged allowing blisters and ulcers to form. A Registered Veterinary Eye Specialist examines this layer carefully with a slit-lamp and ensures there are no other disease processes in the eye.
What are the clinical signs of endothelial degeneration?
- Cloudy/blue eye that worsens with age
- Watery to mucky discharge
- Squinting
- Discharge
- Pain
Breeds predisposed
Boston Terriers, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas and Springer Spaniels are predisposed to endothelial degeneration. In addition older dogs, intraocular inflammation and intraocular surgery may contribute to corneal endothelial degeneration.
Medical management
Initially hypertonic saline drops or ointments can be trialled to dehydrate the cornea. Unfortunately as the disease progresses, and more cells are lost, medication alone is insufficient to stabilise the cornea.
Surgery
There are three main surgical techniques performed by Registered Veterinary Eye Specialists.
- Superficial Keratectomy – removal of the abnormal section of the superficial cornea which is then allowed to heal with corneal fibrosis.
- Thermokeratoplasty – burning multiple tiny superficial holes in the epithelium (surface layer of the cornea). This also causes marked scarring and is considered end stage surgery.
- Gundersen Flap – a superficial keratectomy is performed on the top and bottom third of the cornea leaving a clear central band. Following this a very thin conjunctival pedicle flap is placed into each section acting as a new drainage pathway for the corneal fluid.
Note: Corneal transplantation is not suitable in dogs as graft rejection is high.
Should you have any questions or concerns please contact us on 03 9545 0103.
