Discussion on Sew the eye closed
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| Author |
Message |
    
Cece Bulkley
Member
Username: Ceceb
Post Number: 6
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, Jun 1, 2003 - 4:25 pm: |   |
My 20 year old mare had what we thought was conjunctivitis. The condition worsened and our vet recommended giving another gentomycin and atropine shot and then sewing the eye closed to keep the dust and dirt out. We have been doing this for three weeks now and although the eye is improving slowly a lot of the irritation to the mare seems to be the stitches. My question - is it common practise to sew the eye closed?? in all the forums i read, not one mentioned this uncomfortable procedure??? |
Becky Little
Member
Username: Beezle
Post Number: 35
Registered: 8-1999
| | Posted on Monday, Jun 2, 2003 - 9:36 am: | |
Cece - I dont know about the procedure for horses, but I have a blind dog who sometimes gets corneal ulcers, and they have on occasion sewn her eye partially shut to help it heal.
Becky |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 8510
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Monday, Jun 2, 2003 - 4:01 pm: | |
Hello Cece,
The procedure, called tarsorrhaphy, is a recommended treatment to support the cornea in the cases of deep ulcers. I have not seen it as a recommendation to keep dust out. I prefer a conjunctival flap which is what is recommended in the article on ulcers. If the stitch penetrated the lid and is rubbing against the cornea, it will be irritating. The stitches themselves can become irritating 7 to 14 days out from there placement.
DrO |
