Figure 2: Eyelid injury with corneal ulceration in male rat (Mal-Foy).
Case history and photos

History

Mal-Foy (eyelid laceration) is a 30-month-old neutered buck, comorbidities congenital incisor malocclusion (well managed) and CRF (chronic renal failure) treated with Semintra (telmartisan) an angiotensin II receptor blocker, as stable as it can be. Housed as part of a large mixed group (all bucks neutered).

Clinical Signs

Mal-Foy was found with eyelid laceration while he was asleep in hammock amongst cage mates.

Diagnosis

Eyelid laceration, corneal ulceration, likely as a result of scratch from toenails.

Plan of action

Cleansing with immediate repair of eyelid.

Treatment

The surrounding eye area was cleansed of dried blood. Respiratory distress ensued during preparation of the site, so anesthetic time was kept to a minimum as a result.
Reconstruction suturing of eyelid under sevoflurane (general anesthetic)/O2, versus unstable.
Fortunately, the immediate postop recovery was uneventful.

Follow-up

Repair broke down 7 days later, significant corneal ulceration due to lack of eyelid function. This was managed with ofloxacin and Remend (hyaluronate) eye drops and stabilized. Eye likely non-visual, eyelid laceration has granulated to some extent but still not fully functional.

Outcome

Mal-Foy ultimately healed well and is doing great! When the sutures broke down, we expected we were going to lose the eye, but with the bit of granulation of the eyelid, and additional healing of cornea the eye will not be lost. The upper eyelid is not 100% functional, but he’s managing well!

Photos

Case history and all photos courtesy of Adele Wharton, BVSc, MRCVS, CertGP
Photo compilation by Cyzahhe
Case editing courtesy of Karen Grant RN