Preservation of canine and feline corneoscleral tissue in Optisol® GS

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the research was to determine whether preservation of corneal tissue of dogs and cats in Optisol GS (OGS, Bausch & Lomb Surgical, Irvine, CA, USA) is feasible for subsequent use in penetrating keratoplasty. ANIMALS: The study subjects were 33 dogs and 31 cats with no gross corneal pathology, which had been euthanised by pentobarbital overdose for reasons unrelated to this project. PROCEDURE: One cornea of each pair was evaluated immediately and the other was evaluated after storage in Optisol GS for either 5, 10, 15 or 20 days. The most important criterion was the preservation of the endothelial cell layer. RESULTS: Corneoscleral tissue of cats survived longer, when preserved in Optisol GS at 4 degrees C, than that of dogs. Light and scanning electron microscopy revealed good preservation of the endothelial cell layer for up to 10 days in dogs and up to 15 days in cats.