Restoration of function following traumatic superior eyelid avulsion in a horse treated with advancement flap blepharoplasty (H-plasty) and subdermal hyaluronic acid filler.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the successful restoration of superior eyelid function in a horse following traumatic avulsion using an advancement flap blepharoplasty and subdermal hyaluronic acid filler.

ANIMAL STUDIED

A 21-year-old American Paint Horse stallion who was attacked by a fellow stallion resulting in numerous traumatic injuries including avulsion of approximately 75% of the left superior eyelid.

PROCEDURES

With standing sedation and locoregional anesthesia, the superior eyelid wound was debrided and an advancement flap blepharoplasty (H-plasty) and temporary tarsorrhaphy were performed. Routine healing of the surgical site occurred over the subsequent weeks, though lagophthalmos persisted. At 2 and 4 weeks post-operatively, 2.4% cross-linked hyaluronic acid was injected subdermally into the superior eyelid to attempt to improve corneal coverage. At 8 weeks post-operatively, a complete blink was restored and the cosmetic outcome was good.

CONCLUSIONS

Injection of subdermal hyaluronic acid filler following eyelid injuries or blepharoplastic procedures that result in lagophthalmos can improve corneal coverage by the eyelids and allow for maintenance of a comfortable and visual eye.