Corneal dermoid in a 3-month old Sokoto gudali cross calf

Abstract

Ocular dermoid is a skin or skin-like appendage usually arising on the limbus, conjunctiva, and cornea. It can be unilateral or bilateral and has been reported in different domestic species of animals including cattle. Three months old Sokoto Gudali/Rahaji cross calf weighing 60kg body weight was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto with the complaint of an observed hairy growth and excessive lacrimation of the left lateral eye. Clinical examination revealed a hairy skin-like growth measuring about 1.5cm by 2cm, extending from 4 o’ clock to 7 o’ clock on the left globe. The calf was sedated with xylazine hydrochloride at 0.25 ml/ 100kg IM and restrained on lateral recumbency. Auriculopalpebral block (ring block) was achieved with 2% lignocaine hydrochloride and superficial keratectomy was performed to excise the tissue. Temporary tarsorrhaphy was performed to aid healing and medial canthus area was left open for topical administration of drugs. Postoperatively, Terra-cotril eye drop (Oxytetracyclin and hydrocortisone) trice daily for three days was administered. Temporary tarsorrhaphy sutures were removed on the 10th day postoperatively. The calf successfully recovered and did not present signs of recurrence on re-examination two months later.

Keywords: Calf, Ocular dermoid, Sokoto gudali, Rahaji, Superficial keratectomy