Abstract
Corneal ulcers represent an ophthalmologic problem that can be observed frequently in bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus; these modify the specific characteristics of the cornea such as transparency, avascularity and collagen fiber organization, hampering its refraction function.1,2 The objective of the present study is to describe the medical treatment for corneal ulcers in bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus.
After observing signs of pain, blepharospasm, photophobia, corneal edema and changes in the transparency and surface of the cornea, the ulcer diagnosis was made by fluorescein eye stain.3 Once confirmed, a subconjunctival injection protocol with gentamicin was followed to prevent infection, with the subsequent application of antibiotherapy, regenerators and epithelium lubricants of the cornea. The result of this treatment protocol was the recovery of the epithelium integrity of the cornea with a minimum formation of scar tissue, moderated by the application of corticosteroids.
References
1. Gellat KN. Veterinary Ophthalmology, Blackwell Publishing. 2007; 1672p.
2. Barnett K. Diagnostic Atlas of Veterinary Ophthalmology. Mosby: Elsevier Science. 2006; 216p.
3. García GA, Lara MS. Diplomado a Distancia en Medicina, Cirugía y Zootecnia en Perros y Gatos: Oftalmología y Neurología. Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia. 425p.