Conjunctival graft as treatment for descemetocele in a California sea lion (Zalophus californianus)

Keratopathies are well documented in pinnipeds under managed care, but surgical management of descemetoceles has seldom been reported in the literature. We describe the surgical approach and post‐operative care of a descemetocele repair in a 9.5‐year‐old, female, California sea lion ( Zalophus californianus ). Unilateral progressive descemetocele nonresponsive to medical therapies was surgically repaired with a BioSIS collagen graft and amniotic membrane disc with overlying conjunctival pedicle graft. Intraoperative topical antibiotics and parenteral analgesics were administered, followed by topical and oral antibiotics, anti‐inflammatories and pain medications post‐operatively. The sea lion appeared comfortable immediately post‐operatively with full training participation and a normal appetite. It took 8 days for her to keep the surgically repaired eye open, and at that time, the conjunctival graft was in place and intact. The conjunctival graft took 6 weeks to become embedded in the host cornea. Due to the descemetocele not responding to medical management, a surgical approach was pursued to restore corneal integrity and improve vision with excellent results, as the sea lion was comfortable, the ulceration completely healed and vision was restored.