Slovenian Veterinary Research 2025  |  Vol 62 No 1  |  57
Surgical Treatment and Analysis of Canine 
Penetrating Corneal Trauma Due to Plant-
Derived Foreign Bodies: A Case Report  
Key words
canines; 
plant-derived foreign body; 
penetrating corneal trauma; 
keratotomy; 
foreign body removal; 
corneal repair
Rui Shi1, Yanfei Han4, Guangliang Shi1, Shu Wang2, Yan Jiang2, Yang Wang2, Bing 
Shao2,3* 
1College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 600, Changjiang Road, Harbin 150030, 
2Heilongjiang Northeast Agricultural University Animal Hospital Co., Ltd, College of Veterinary Medicine, 
Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, 3Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education Department 
of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, 
Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, 4Liaoning Agricultural Vocational and Technical College, 
Bayuquan District Xiong Yue, Yingkou City of Liaoning Province, 115009, China
*Corresponding author: shao68430479@163.com
Abstract: The objective of this study is to present a case of canine penetrating corneal 
trauma caused by plant-derived foreign bodies, successfully treated with keratotomy. A 
2-yearold female Border Collie presented with two corneal foreign bodies, conjunctival 
congestion, blepharospasm, and a small amount of serous discharge in the left eye. 
Keratotomy was performed to remove the foreign bodies from the cornea. During the 
procedure, one foreign body was observed to have penetrated the anterior chamber. 
Following removal, the anterior chamber was irrigated, and the cornea was sutured. 
Postoperative treatment included both topical and systemic medications. Examination 
confirmed that the foreign bodies were plant-derived. Postoperative assessments at 
2 and 4 weeks showed a reduction in corneal edema, formation of limbal neovascu-
larization, decreased conjunctival congestion, resolution of blepharospasm, and ab-
sence of ocular discharge. The 5-month postoperative follow-up demonstrated nor-
mal corneal clarity and physiological function, a clear anterior chamber, and normal 
vision. Keratotomy has been demonstrated to be an effective intervention for corneal 
foreign bodies, allowing thorough removal of fragile and deeply embedded materials. 
Postoperative medications effectively prevented infections and promoted corneal heal-
ing. This case report provides valuable insights into the diagnosis and management of 
canine penetrating corneal trauma caused by plant-derived foreign bodies. 
Received: 10 July 2024 
Accepted: 24 November 2024
Slov Vet Res
DOI 10.26873/SVR-2080-2024
UDC 636.7:617.7
Pages: 57–62
Case Report
Introduction 
Corneal foreign bodies represent a common cause of trau-
matic ophthalmic conditions in canines. These foreign 
bodies can lead to corneal perforation, infections, and in-
flammatory reactions (1). The clinical presentation typically 
includes acute unilateral blepharospasm and serous ocular 
discharge. This condition is most commonly observed in 
canines younger than five years, particularly among work-
ing and hunting breeds, reflecting a correlation with be-
havioral patterns and activity levels (2). The management 
of corneal foreign bodies is influenced by their location, 
composition, size, shape, duration, and extent of damage 
to the cornea and adjacent ocular tissues. When the cor-
neal surface has self-sealed or the foreign bodies are frag-
ile, keratotomy to enlarge the wound should be considered 
the primary option (3). The selection of appropriate surgical 
instruments should be based on the nature and angle of 
entry. Plant material is a common type of corneal foreign 
body in canines, associated with a risk of inducing signifi-
cant inflammatory reactions and microbial infections (4), 
necessitating prompt removal. This case report describes 
a canine with plant-derived corneal foreign bodies partially 
embedded in the anterior chamber, successfully treated 
58  |    Slovenian Veterinary Research 2025  |  Vol 62 No 1
through keratotomy. Postoperatively, the cornea remained 
clear without any loss of visual acuity or ocular abnormali-
ties, demonstrating the procedure's efficacy and safety. 
This report aims to serve as a reference for diagnosing and 
managing corneal trauma in canines caused by plant-de-
rived foreign bodies.
Case Presentation
A 2-year-old female Border Collie, weighing 17 kg, present-
ed with eye discomfort following activity in the woods the 
previous evening. 
Clinical examination revealed normal body temperature, 
pulse, and respiration. The left eye (OS) presented with a 
small amount of serous discharge, blepharospasm, corne-
al edema, and conjunctival hyperemia and swelling (Figure 
1A). Additionally, two corneal foreign bodies were detected 
(Figure 1B), with no signs of entropion or ectopic cilia. The 
gross ophthalmic examination of the right eye (OD) revealed 
no abnormalities. The menace response was positive in 
both eyes (OU). The direct and consensual pupillary light 
reflexes were positive in OU, while the dazzle reflex was 
positive in OD but difficult to assess in OS due to blepharo-
spasm. Gonioscopy revealed no abnormalities in the anteri-
or chamber angle. The Schirmer Tear Test (STT) measured 
17 mm/min in OD and 33 mm/min in OS. The intraocular 
pressure was 17 mmHg in OD and 19 mmHg in OS. Slit-
lamp examination revealed that the penetration points of 
the foreign bodies were located in the lower quadrant of the 
cornea (OS). The anterior chamber appeared clear without 
aqueous flare and had a normal depth, with no abnormali-
ties in the iris, pupil, or lens. Retro-illumination after my-
driasis revealed silhouettes of the foreign bodies through 
fundus reflection in OS, indicating spikeshaped fragments. 
Fluorescein staining and Seidel test were negative in OU. 
Based on these examinations, a diagnosis of corneal for-
eign bodies was made. After consulting with the owner, 
keratotomy was scheduled and performed the same day. 
Preoperative imaging revealed no abnormalities, with all 
blood and biochemical tests within normal limits. 
Dexmedetomidine 5 μg/kg, butorphanol 0.2 mg/kg, and 
propofol 4 mg/kg were slowly administered intravenously 
to induce anesthesia, with isoflurane used to maintain an-
esthesia. The canine was positioned in lateral recumbency 
with the operative eye facing upward, and its head was se-
cured using a vacuum molding pillow. Blood pressure and 
electrocardiogram monitoring were initiated. For sterile 
preparation, the periocular fur was shaved, and the periocu-
lar skin was disinfected with a 1:10 povidone-iodine solu-
tion. A surgical drape was applied, and an eyelid retractor 
was employed to optimize corneal exposure. The cornea 
and conjunctiva were initially rinsed with saline, followed by 
a 1:50 povidone-iodine solution, and then thoroughly rinsed 
again with saline. Under a surgical microscope (10×), the 
larger foreign body was identified. The cornea was stabi-
lized with toothed forceps in the left hand, while a keratome 
in the right hand created a corneal incision above the for-
eign body. The toothed forceps were then used to grasp the 
foreign body, followed by gentle extraction of a portion of 
it (Figure 2A). The incision was then extended toward the 
narrow end of the foreign body along its longitudinal axis, 
revealing that the end of the foreign body had protruded 
into the anterior chamber. The remaining portion of the 
foreign body was extracted, resulting in a minor amount of 
aqueous humor leakage (Figure 2B). The anterior chamber 
remained stable and was irrigated thoroughly with saline 
through the corneal incision. A second corneal incision was 
created above the smaller foreign body using a keratome, 
facilitating its gentle extraction with toothed forceps. The 
corneal incisions were intermittently sutured using an 8/0 
absorbable suture (Figure 2C). Following the suturing, the 
Figure 1: A Clinical photograph of the left eye at the initial examination. Grossly (A), conjunctival congestion (asterisk), and serous discharge around 
the eye (arrow) can be observed, and two foreign bodies can be seen within the cornea (dashed box). B Clinical photograph of the left eye at the initial 
examination. The area outlined by the dashed box in A is centered and enlarged in B to demonstrate the foreign bodies are embedded in the cornea in an 
oblique direction (arrows) 
  Slovenian Veterinary Research 2025  |  Vol 62 No 1  |  59
Figure 2: A Surgery photograph through an operating microscope (10×). An ophthalmic toothed forceps was used to grasp the wider side of the 
foreign body through the corneal incision and extract a portion of the foreign body (A). B Surgery photograph through an operating microscope (10×). 
Subsequently, a keratome was used to enlarge the corneal wound, and a minor amount of aqueous humor leakage occurred after the foreign body was 
removed (B). C Surgery photograph through an operating microscope (10×). The last photograph showed the corneal incisions received interrupted 
sutures after the anterior chamber irrigation (C). 
Figure 3: A Photograph taken of the postoperative follow-up. At 4 days after surgery (A), there is a small amount of discharge around the eye (arrow), 
corneal edema at the surgical site (dashed box), and mild conjunctival congestion (asterisk). B Photograph taken of the postoperative follow-up. At 2 
weeks after surgery (B), the conjunctival congestion and the discharge around the eye disappeared. Limbus neovascularization appeared (arrows). 
C Photograph taken of the postoperative follow-up. At 4 weeks after surgery (C), the corneal edema at the surgical site was reduced, and corneal 
neovascularization grew towards the surgical site (direction of the arrow). D Photograph taken of the postoperative follow-up. At 5 months after surgery 
(D), the vascularization of the cornea has completely disappeared
60  |    Slovenian Veterinary Research 2025  |  Vol 62 No 1
ocular surface was rinsed with saline, marking the conclu-
sion of the surgery. 
Once the canine had fully recovered from anesthesia, 
an Elizabethan collar was applied to prevent self-injury. 
Postoperative treatments included: ceftiofur sodium 
(Wright; Hebei Yuanzheng Harmony Pharmaceutical) 5 
mg/kg, IV, SID, for 5 days; meloxicam (Metacam; Boehringer 
Ingelheim) 0.2 mg/kg, SC, SID, for 2 days; tropicamide phen-
ylephrine eye drops (Mydrin-P; Santen Pharmaceutica) gtt, 
TID, for 1 week; tobramycin eye drops (Tobrex; Alcon) gtt, 
TID, for 2 weeks; levofloxacin eye drops (Cravit; Santen 
Pharmaceutica) gtt, TID, for 2 weeks; and recombinant bo-
vine basic fibroblast growth factor eye gel (Beifushu; Essex 
Bio-Technology) TID, for 2 weeks. 
During the surgery, the corneal foreign bodies were identi-
fied as being plantderived (Figure 3). Preoperatively, secre-
tion from the lesion area was collected for aerobic bacterial 
and fungal cultures, which revealed no inflammatory cells, 
pathogenic bacteria, or fungi. 
Four days postoperatively, the blepharospasm disappeared 
(Figure 4A). At the second and fourth weeks postopera-
tively, slit-lamp examination revealed that neovasculariza-
tion originating from the limbus was growing towards the 
surgical site, with a clear anterior chamber without hem-
orrhage or fibrin (Figures 4B, C). Pupillary light reflex and 
menace response tests indicated normal photosensitivity 
and object discrimination abilities in the canine. Although 
the owner did not attend the follow-up visits as scheduled, 
the 5-month postoperative follow-up revealed a transpar-
ent cornea, complete wound healing without scarring, and 
normal vision (Figure 4D).
Discussion
The cornea's exposure to the external environment makes 
it susceptible to foreign body contact, a frequent cause of 
corneal trauma. Border Collies' high activity and explor-
atory drive, coupled with their instinctual herding behaviors, 
predispose them to frequent exposure to dense vegetation, 
such as underbrush and woodlands. According to a study, 
Border Collies rank among the top five breeds for incidence 
of corneal foreign bodies (5%), exceeding the rates of other 
ophthalmic conditions (3%). Furthermore, two years of age 
represents the peak incidence period (2). In this case, the 
affected canine presented with clinical symptoms of cor-
neal foreign bodies following activity in the woods, suggest-
ing the entry of plant-derived material, consistent with the 
foreign bodies extracted during surgery. The canine may 
have failed to prevent the foreign bodies from entering the 
eye due to inattention or high speed while playing, resulting 
in the blink reflex failing to stop the foreign bodies (3). 
Ophthalmic examination revealed that the corneal punc-
ture wound was small, suggesting that the foreign bodies 
fractured upon piercing the cornea without enlarging the 
puncture wound. The foreign bodies appeared flat and 
obliquely embedded in the cornea, sealing the wound and 
preventing aqueous humor leakage. This resulted in a 
negative Seidel test making it challenging to rule out cor-
neal perforation (1). The anterior chamber exhibited normal 
depth without fibrin or blood, making it unclear whether the 
foreign bodies had penetrated it. This could be due to the 
short retention time of the foreign bodies, absence of patho-
genic bacteria, minimal entry into the anterior chamber, and 
stable positioning, all of which minimized movement and 
irritation, thereby preventing significant inflammatory reac-
tions. The dazzle reflex was difficult to assess due to bleph-
arospasm, which resolved in postoperative examination, 
leading to a positive dazzle reflex. Tear production in the 
affected eye increased due to pain but returned to normal 
in postoperative examination. After identifying and locat-
ing the two foreign bodies through slit-lamp examination, 
gonioscopy was used to examine the anterior chamber 
angle, and retro-illumination was employed to differentiate 
between foreign bodies and structures mimicked by accu-
mulated blood or tissue debris, which excluded the pres-
ence of other foreign bodies (2). In choosing ophthalmic 
imaging examinations, ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), 
which is suitable for detecting small plant-derived foreign 
bodies, was avoided to prevent further damage caused by 
pressure on the spike-like foreign bodies (5). In vivo confo-
cal microscopy (IVCM) identifies the location and depth of 
foreign bodies (6), whereas magnetic resonance imaging 
(MRI) differentiates wooden foreign bodies from surround-
ing tissues (7). However, these examinations were not 
performed due to equipment unavailability. Nonetheless, 
a combination of non-invasive ophthalmic examinations 
utilizing slit-lamp biomicroscopy, gonioscopy, and retro-il-
lumination techniques effectively identified the foreign bod-
ies. This approach facilitated successful treatment, thereby 
mitigating the lack of imaging examinations and providing 
an alternative solution for clinical examinations under lim-
ited conditions. 
Although some studies indicate that sterile foreign bodies 
may be well-tolerated in the cornea and anterior chamber 
(8), the organic material properties of plant-derived foreign 
bodies in this case carry the risk of secondary infection, as 
well as potential risks associated with prolonged retention, 
such as chronic corneal scarring leading to permanent vi-
sual impairment (9). Consequently, we opted for surgical 
intervention rather than risking further trauma by retaining 
the foreign bodies. A study has demonstrated that most 
deep stroma and full-thickness foreign bodies are removed 
via needle tip, while some full-thickness foreign bodies are 
extracted through a corneal limbal incision (2). However, 
considering that plant-derived foreign bodies can absorb 
moisture from surrounding tissues in the cornea and an-
terior chamber, which reduces their tensile strength and 
increases the risk of fragmentation (10), and given their 
flat shape and oblique penetration that complicates re-
moval with a needle, forceps were employed for extraction. 
  Slovenian Veterinary Research 2025  |  Vol 62 No 1  |  61
Furthermore, although corneal perforation could not be 
confirmed preoperatively, the clarity of the anterior cham-
ber and absence of aqueous flare suggest that even if the 
foreign body penetrated the anterior chamber, the majority 
of it remained anterior to Descemet's membrane and was 
positioned away from the corneal limbus. Consequently, 
a superficial keratectomy was performed. During surgical 
preparation, it is imperative to consider the potential impact 
of foreign body removal on the anterior chamber. Viscous 
agents were prepared to address potential anterior cham-
ber collapse. Provisions for autologous corneal transplan-
tation to close the incision are also made. Intraoperatively, 
upon confirming that the larger end of the foreign body had 
penetrated the anterior chamber, it was removed with a 
small amount of aqueous humor leakage and no chamber 
collapse. The anterior chamber was irrigated with saline to 
reduce the risk of infection. Given the small size and firm, 
healthy margins of the deep wound, direct suturing of the 
cornea was chosen (1). The foreign bodies were success-
fully removed, and the corneal incision was closed with the 
anterior chamber remaining stable. Postoperatively, intra-
ocular pressure remained within the normal range. 
Postoperative treatment aims to prevent complications and 
promote corneal repair. In this case, no pathogenic bacte-
ria or fungi were detected in the secretion culture from the 
lesion area. However, due to the corneal perforation, sys-
temic and topical broadspectrum antibiotics were chosen 
to prevent infections. Tropicamide eye drops were used to 
prevent spasms of the iris and synechiae that may be pro-
duced by postsurgical uveitis (3). The recombinant bovine 
basic fibroblast growth factor (rb FGF) in the eye gel with 
Carbomer-based was used to promote the regeneration of 
the corneal epithelium. Meloxicam was used to relieve pain. 
In cases of corneal penetration caused by plant-derived for-
eign bodies, the postoperative recovery is often influenced 
by various factors, such as inflammation, microbial infec-
tions, and other complications. However, this case demon-
strated an excellent prognosis in multiple aspects. A study 
indicated the uveitis score was statistically significantly 
positively correlated with the prevalence of enucleation, 
suggesting a poorer prognosis and a longer recovery pe-
riod. In cases of full-thickness corneal foreign bodies, 91% 
presented uveitis (2). In contrast, no signs of uveitis were 
detected in this case, thereby reducing the risk of poor prog-
nosis. Furthermore, multiple studies have reported a risk of 
secondary infections associated with plant-derived foreign 
bodies. However, microbiological testing of samples from 
this case revealed no pathogenic microorganisms, reduc-
ing the risk of infection. Additionally, stringent, individual-
ized postoperative pharmacological management and 
monitoring ensured proper healing of the corneal incision. 
Compared to similar cases documented in the literature, 
this case successfully avoided several factors that could 
have prolonged the recovery period. The successful recov-
ery can be attributed not only to timely surgical intervention 
but also to favorable preoperative conditions, meticulous 
postoperative management, and the completeness of the 
clinical approach, all of which were crucial to the patient's 
smooth recovery.
Conclusions
Timely removal of the foreign bodies mitigated the risk of 
corneal necrosis and bacterial keratitis in this case. The im-
plementation of an individualized medication regimen and 
close monitoring of the patient's recovery process ensured 
a smooth postoperative recovery. The absence of compli-
cations in this case indicates the effectiveness of timely 
treatment and postoperative medication.
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62  |    Slovenian Veterinary Research 2025  |  Vol 62 No 1
Kirurško zdravljenje in analiza penetrirajoče poškodbe roženice pri psih 
zaradi tujkov rastlinskega izvora: poročilo o primeru
R. Shi, Y. Han, G. Shi, S. Wang, Y. Jiang, Y. Wang, B. Shao   
Izvleček: Namen te študije je bil predstaviti primer penetrirajoče poškodbe roženice pri psu, ki so jo povzročili tujki 
rastlinskega izvora in je bila uspešno zdravljena s keratotomijo. Dveletna psička pasme border collie je imela v roženici 
dva tujka, kongestijo veznice, blefarospazem in majhno količino seroznega izcedka v levem očesu. Opravljena je bila 
keratotomija za odstranitev tujkov iz roženice. Med postopkom je bilo ugotovljeno, da je en tujek prodrl v prednjo komoro. 
Po odstranitvi je bila prednja očesna komora sprana, roženica pa zašita. Pooperativno zdravljenje je vključevalo lokalna 
in sistemska zdravila. Pregled je potrdil, da so bili vzrok tujki rastlinskega izvora. Pooperativne ocene po 2 in 4 tednih 
so pokazale zmanjšanje edema roženice, nastanek limbalnih neovaskularizacij, zmanjšanje kongestije veznic, odpravo 
blefarospazma in odsotnost očesnega izcedka. Petmesečno pooperativno spremljanje je pokazalo normalno prosojnost 
roženice in fiziološko delovanje, čisto prednjo komoro in normalen vid. Keratotomija se je izkazala za učinkovit poseg 
pri zdravljenju roženičnih tujkov, saj omogoča temeljito odstranitev krhkih in globoko zagozdenih tujkov. Pooperativna 
zdravila so učinkovito preprečevala okužbe in spodbujala celjenje roženice. To poročilo o primeru zagotavlja dragocen 
vpogled v diagnostiko in zdravljenje penetrirajoče poškodbe roženice pri psih, ki jo povzročijo tujki rastlinskega izvora. 
Ključne besede: psi; tujek rastlinskega izvora; penetrirajoča poškodba roženice; keratotomija; odstranitev tujka; sanacija 
roženice