Surgical extraction of eye worm in equine

Abstract

Ocular setariasis is a significant parasitic condition of equines, frequently leading to corneal opacity, ocular inflammation, and potential vision loss. The present case report aimed to document the clinical presentation, surgical management, and post-operative recovery of a 7-year-old Marwari stallion affected with an intraocular filarial worm. The animal was presented with a history of a thread-like motile worm in the anterior chamber of the left eye, accompanied by lacrimation, conjunctivitis, and partial loss of vision. Detailed ophthalmic examination using a hand-held slit lamp confirmed the presence of the worm along with marked corneal opacity. Pre-operative management included tetanus prophylaxis, systemic and topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and sedation using xylazine combined with supraorbital and auriculopalpebral nerve blocks. Local anesthesia was achieved with topical proparacaine. Paracentesis at the corneo-scleral junction was performed using a 16G needle to extract the worm, followed by sub-conjunctival auto-blood therapy to support corneal healing. Post-operative treatment consisted of topical antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents for five days. Progressive improvement was noted from the 7th post-operative day, with marked reduction in corneal opacity by the 15th day. Complete clearance of the cornea and restoration of vision were achieved by the 28th day without complications. The successful outcome highlights needle paracentesis as an effective and minimally invasive approach for managing equine ocular setariasis, ensuring rapid recovery and preservation of vision.