Complex corneal graft saves Sphynx cat’s vision

A Sphynx cat with a deep corneal sequestrum – an area of dead cornea – has had her vision saved following a successful corneoconjunctival transposition graft at Linnaeus-owned Davies Veterinary Specialists (Davies) in Hertfordshire.

Felicity, a four-year-old Sphynx cat was noted squinting her right eye. Her owners took her to their local vet who were very concerned about the appearance of the eye and Felicity was referred to the Ophthalmology Department at Davies for assessment and treatment.

“Felicity’s right eye had a corneal sequestrum with evidence of “corneal melting” at its periphery which required surgical intervention in order to prevent further deterioration,” said Adam Margetts, who is an Ophthalmology Resident at Davies.

Under general anaesthesia, using an operating microscope for magnification, the sequestrum and the surrounding diseased cornea were surgically removed. A graft, using her own healthy cornea (whilst still attached to the blood supply at the conjunctiva) was used to stabilise the deep corneal defect. Hair-thin, dissolvable sutures were used to attach the graft to the surrounding cornea.

Felicity was discharged the day after surgery and has made a full recovery.

“We are delighted that Felicity has regained full and pain-free use of her right eye,” said Adam. “Her owner is aware that the formation of new ulcers and corneal sequestra remain possible in the future, but with regular check-ups we can stay a step ahead and treat early if required.”

To find out more about Davies visit www.vetspecialists.co.uk