Veterinary Eye Services: Conjunctival Flap and Graft

Animal Eye Consultants provides the latest in specialized veterinary care for pet eye conditions. We work closely with your pet’s primary care veterinarian to provide advanced pet ophthalmic care for dogs and cats. Corneal ulcers are a common problem in pets, and we offer a variety of treatments, including conjunctive flap grafting surgery.

The Conjunctival Flap or Graft Procedure

Conjunctival flap grafting is one option for the treatment of deep corneal ulcers. The conjunctiva is the pale pink tissue that covers the “white” of your pet’s eye. It is a thin and strong tissue which contains many blood vessels. These qualities make it an ideal tissue for grafting purposes.

Conjunctival flap or grafting surgery is performed under general anesthesia. We utilize the latest in surgical equipment and techniques to relocate a portion of your pet’s conjunctival tissue to cover the corneal ulcer. It is stitched in place using specialized dissolvable suture material. To add support to the graft during healing, a stich is placed to hold the eyelid partially closed.

Post-Surgical Care

When your pet is ready to be discharged, they will be fitted with an Elizabethan Collar or “cone” to prevent scratching and rubbing at the surgical site. Your pet will receive antibiotic eye drops and pain medication. We also recommend limiting your pet’s activity for a few weeks to allow the eye to heal properly.

Typically, the cornea will heal in 6 to 8 weeks. A follow-up appointment is necessary to monitor your pet’s healing. We will evaluate your pet’s condition, and determine if removal of the flap is necessary after the cornea has fully healed under the protective flap.

We understand the stress and anxiety associated with veterinary surgery. We treat your pet with the utmost care to keep them calm and comfortable during the surgical procedure and in their post-surgical healing. Please contact us to schedule an appointment, or to ask any questions you may have regarding your pet’s eye health.