Successful Treatment of Spectacle Avulsion in a Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Epicrates cenchria cenchria) by Using a Porcine Small Intestinal Submucosal Graft
A 5-yr-old, male Brazilian rainbow boa (Epicrates cenchria cenchria) presented with a partial spectacle avulsion that progressed to full spectacle avulsion following ecdysis. A porcine small intestinal submucosal graft was sutured over the cornea to protect the globe and allow the spectacle to regenerate. Treatment included topical antibiotic and lubricant ophthalmic medications. The porcine small intestinal submucosal graft was shed during ecdysis 30 days after placement, revealing peripheral regeneration of the spectacle with a 1- to 2-mm crust covering a presumed central defect. At the next ecdysis 39 days later, the spectacle had completely regenerated. Application of a porcine small intestinal submucosal graft in combination with topical antibiotic and lubricant ophthalmic medications for treatment of complete spectacle avulsion was successful in allowing spectacle regeneration and was well tolerated by the rainbow boa in this case.Abstract
A Brazilian rainbow boa (Epicrates cenchria cenchria) with spectacle avulsion of the left eye. The suture material is placed for application of a porcine small intestinal submucosal graft.
Appearance of the left eye of a Brazilian rainbow boa (Epicrates cenchria cenchria) following application of a porcine small intestinal submucosal graft for treatment of spectacle avulsion.
Shed skin including the left spectacle from a Brazilian rainbow boa (Epicrates cenchria cenchria) showing the presence of a complete spectacle with a central external crust following treatment of spectacle avulsion with porcine small intestinal submucosa.
Appearance of the left spectacle of a Brazilian rainbow boa (Epicrates cenchria cenchria) 4 months following treatment of spectacle avulsion by using porcine small intestinal mucosa. (A) Mild-to-moderate opacity of the spectacle remains, with irregularity of the dorsal margin. (B) Slight asymmetry was evident between the left and right eyes, with mild enophthalmos of the left eye and spectacle.
Shed skin from a Brazilian rainbow boa (Epicrates cenchria cenchria) 4 months following treatment of spectacle avulsion by using porcine small intestinal mucosa, showing complete shed of the external keratin layer of the regenerated left spectacle.
