Introduction

Surgical correction of feline corneal sequestrum is a challenge for the veterinary ophthalmologist, depending on the lesion's depth, size, and associated corneal necrosis. Multilayer porcine submucosal membrane serves as a scaffold for corneal regeneration and helps in corneal healing.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of multilayer porcine submucosal membrane (BIOMEC Cx®) after superficial lamellar keratectomy in cats with corneal sequestrum.

Methods

Retrospective study from 2011 to 2016 with cats that presented with corneal sequestrum and had undergone a superficial keratectomy with multilayer porcine submucosal membrane graft. Four or eight layers of submucosal graft were utilized according to the depth of the defect.

Results

Eight cats (n=8 eyes) were included in this study. 37.5% were males and 62.5% were females (p=0.001). Affected breeds included the Persian (n=7) and exotic (n=1). Median age was 4.5±2.4 years; the right eye was affected in 4 cases, and the left eye in the remaining 4 cases. A lamellar superficial keratectomy was performed in 6 eyes with the placement of four layers of submucosal membranes, and deep lamellar keratectomy was performed in 2 eyes with the placement of eight layers of membrane. Postoperative visual status was good in all cases, with only one case presenting with a recurrence of a deep corneal sequestrum.

Conclusions

Multilayers of porcine submucosal membrane Biomec Cx® is a good option for the surgical treatment for feline corneal sequestrum with excellent postoperative visual results, no graft rejection, and minimal recurrence.