Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Chronic Pigmentary Surface Ceratitis and Ophthalmic Pannus in Dogs.
Cornea, Pigmentary Keratitis, Pannus
Ophthalmic Pannus is a bilateral chronic inflammatory disorder of the corneal stroma, characterized as a chronic immune-mediated syndrome. Chronic pigmented superficial keratitis (CSPC) is a sign of chronic corneal irritation, with different causes. Although with distinct causes and evolution, ophthalmic pannus and CSPC are commonly treated as synonyms. Thus, it is important to establish the clinical differences, characterize the histopathological and immunohistochemical changes and classify them adequately. This study aims to characterize these diseases, by histological and immunohistochemical tests. 24 dogs, CSPC patients with total blindness (group I, N = 12) and patients with ophthalmic pannus with total or partial vision impairment (group II, N = 12) will be studied. Group I animals will undergo biopsy through central lamellar superficial keratectomy (CSLC). Blind group II animals will be submitted to CSLC and biopsy in the temporal limb region and those with partial visual impairment will be submitted to biopsy in the temporal limb region. To obtain the central corneal lamellae, the microkeratome will be used and lateral corneal biopsy will be used, a corneal delaminator will be used. The material removed will be conditioned in glass vials containing 10% buffered formalin and referred for histopathological evaluation using the specific stains. In the immunohistochemistry will be used markers for fibrosis, vascularization, pigmentation, radiation and neoplasia.