Surgical Management of Feline Corneal Sequestrum by Superficial Keratectomy and Autologous Platelet-Rich Fibrin Membrane Graft

Purpose

Corneal sequestrum is a corneal disease which is unique to feline species. Various tectonic supports are currently available for the treatment, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. Surgical treatment with suitable tectonic support will help in faster healing with minimal alteration in corneal structure. Efficacy of platelet-rich fibrin membrane graft (PRFMG) in treating corneal sequestrum is discussed in this case report.

Methods

The PRFMG obtained after a single centrifugation of whole blood was grafted onto the corneal defect created by superficial keratectomy and the corneal healing was observed thereafter.

Results

The use of autologous PRFMG provided a faster healing with minimal corneal scarring. The membrane was integrated with the cornea and provided a structural framework for complete corneal healing.

Conclusion

Autologous PRFMG can be considered as an alternate and superior method to existing corneal biomaterials for treating feline corneal sequestrum.

Lay Summary

Corneal damage associated with corneal sequestrum can have a serious impact on visual function and animal’s welfare. The treatment could be either medical management or a surgical intervention which is decided based on the lesion’s depth or severity. The surgical interventions currently in practice have many limitations and drawbacks which includes delayed healing of corneal defects and scarring. Therefore, we aimed to enhance the corneal healing with the help of an autologous PRFMG containing myriads of growth factors. These growth factors from the platelet concentrate helped in an accelerated healing of corneal defect with a minimum scar tissue formation.

Graphical Abstract