Corneoconjunctival transposition for the treatment of feline corneal sequestra: a retrospective study of 17 cases (1990-1998).

OBJECTIVE To describe and evaluate the use of corneoconjunctival transposition as a surgical treatment for corneal sequestra in cats. ANIMALS STUDIED Fifteen cats (17 eyes) of various breeds and ages with corneal sequestra treated surgically with corneoconjunctival transposition. PROCEDURE Retrospective medical records study. RESULTS Median age was 39 months. Eight patients were castrated males, five were spayed females, and two were intact females. The left eye was affected in eight cats, the right eye was affected in five cats, and both eyes were affected in two cats. Mean (+/- SD) sequestrum diameter was 4.4 +/- 2.4 mm (range 1-10 mm) and the sequestrum was located centrally in all cases. Sequestra occurred in the superficial stroma in 8/17 corneas, in the anterior one third of the stroma in 3/17 corneas, and in the middle one third of the stroma in 6/17 corneas. Median duration of clinical signs prior to presentation was 39 days (range 14-1095 days). Median time to healing, defined as the number of days from surgery to cessation of medical treatment, was 34 days (range 25-86 days). There were no recurrences and minimal scar formation. CONCLUSIONS Corneoconjunctival transposition is a valid procedure for surgical treatment of corneal sequestra in cats. The procedure results in excellent cosmesis and functional vision with no recurrences.