Corneal sequestrum surgery saves cat’s sight
"[Dr Capaldo] is such an experienced and caring vet who gave me my beautiful blue-eyed boy back, and for that I am so grateful." – Sarah Cook.
An independent referral practice has saved the sight of a young cat diagnosed with corneal sequestrum.
Ophthalmologists at The Pet Eye Clinic, based at Moreton Hall Veterinary Centre in Bury St Edmunds, treated the condition using a superficial keratectomy.
One-year-old Arthur was diagnosed with a corneal sequestrum last summer, having experienced significant discomfort to his eyes. The condition is characterised by squinting, redness and discharge.
Although his primary vet prescribed him a course of eye drops, his condition failed to improve.
Arthur was referred to The Pet Eye Clinic, where Dr Francesca Capaldo, an advanced practitioner in veterinary ophthalmology, took him into her care. Dr Capaldo performed an examination of Arthur’s eye, through which she identified a patch of necrotic (dead) tissue on the surface of the cornea.
Dr Capaldo said: “After discussing with the owner, I advised surgical removal via superficial keratectomy, and we admitted Arthur to the hospital the same day.
“Under general anaesthesia, and with the aid of the surgical operating microscope, we debrided the cornea around the sequestrum with a cotton bud. The debrided area, including the sequestrum, was delimited by a square incision made with a depth-set knife and removed via superficial keratectomy with a crescent knife.
“A soft bandage contact lens was placed to protect the cornea, and a drop of Tropicamide was applied to treat the reflex uveitis”.
On the same day as his surgery, Arthur was able to return home. Arthur’s owner was given his aftercare plan, which include daily eye drops and a corneal gel.
His eye is now bright and clear, with no scar on the corneal surface. Arthur’s owner praised Dr Capaldo’s experience and client care.
Sarah Cook, Arthur’s owner, said: “I recognised straight away her expertise in this field of work and felt reassured. After the surgery, Francesca provided a detailed report and post-operative guidance.
“Arthur's eye healed very nicely and I couldn't recommend Francesca enough. She is such an experienced and caring vet who gave me my beautiful blue-eyed boy back, and for that I am so grateful.”
The Pet Eye Clinic offers a state-of-the-art referral service from Moreton Hall Veterinary Centre in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. Its team utilises advanced specialist equipment and extensive expertise to treat eye conditions and diseases.
For more information call 01284 747000 or visit www.thepeteyeclinic.co.uk
Image © Moreton Hall Veterinary Centre
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
