Carbon Dioxide Laser Keratectomy as a Treatment Option for Equine Corneal Stromal Abscessation: A Comparison to Lamellar Keratectomy and Penetrating Keratoplasty

Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser keratectomy was compared to lamellar keratectomy (LK) and penetrating keratoplasty (PK) as a potential treatment option for equine corneal stromal abscessation. The medical records of 35 client owned horses undergoing surgical management of stromal abscessation were reviewed. Among those 17 underwent LK, 3 PK and 15 CO2 laser keratectomy. Healing of the stromal abscess was achieved in all treated eyes. Those horses undergoing CO2 laser keratectomy demonstrated few complications, and the time to healing and cosmetic outcome was comparable to those horses undergoing LK and PK.