Corneal Sequestration and Bilateral Distichiasis in a Binturong ( Arctictis binturong )

OBJECTIVE: To report the first documented case of corneal sequestration and distichiasis in a binturong (Arctictis binturong), discuss implications of disease prevalence in a non-domestic feliform, and hypothesize on potential etiology and predisposing factors for corneal sequestration. ANIMAL STUDIED: A 15-year-old intact male binturong. PROCEDURES: Anesthetized physical examination and ophthalmic assessment were performed by board-certified specialists. Corneal cytology, culture and sensitivity, debridement of the sequestra in lieu of keratectomy, histopathology, and cryoepilation were performed, followed by 4 weeks of topical therapy. The patient was euthanized 3 years later for unrelated reasons, and a necropsy was performed. RESULTS: Examination found bilateral distichiasis. In the left cornea, two brown, ovoid lesions flanked an area of yellow infiltrate, all overlying a raised, ulcerated granulation bed. Corneal cytology identified neutrophils, cocci, and rare rods. Histopathology of the debrided tissue showed coagulative to lytic necrosis with intralesional gram-positive cocci, indicating sequestration and secondary infection. Aerobic culture yielded Staphylococcus delphini and Streptococcus acidominimus. Photo updates 4 weeks post-operation showed resolution of clinical signs. Later, necropsy and histology showed chronic ocular changes without recurrence of sequestra. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and histopathologic findings identified corneal sequestration, with chronic irritation secondary to distichiasis as a suspected factor. Surgical debridement and cryoepilation achieved long-term clinical resolution, with only mild distichiae regrowth and no sequestration recurrence after 3 years. Corneal sequestration is thought to predominantly affect domestic cats (Felis catus); this report expands the clinical relevance of corneal sequestration to an exotic species and supports chronic corneal irritation as a predisposing factor.