Orbital Exenteration Following Traumatic Proptosis in a 4-Year-Old Yankasa Ewe: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Proptosis refers to the abnormal protrusion or forward displacement of the eyeball from the orbit, commonly seen in small ruminants following head trauma. Exenteration is generally regarded as a salvage procedure, performed in response to severe or non-manageable orbital conditions such as advanced proptosis. The present study aimed to describe a successful orbital exenteration performed on a Yankasa ewe due to traumatic proptosis.

Case report: A 4-year-old Yankasa ewe weighing 40 kg was referred to the small animal unit of the veterinary teaching hospital at Usmanu Danfodiyu university, SokotoNigeria), due to proptosis in the left eye. The animal was referred after a week of unsuccessful treatment. The proptosis was likely caused by a blow from a ram’s horn. Examination showed severe left-eye protrusion with marked swelling, and the exposed globe was ulcerated, nonviable, and desiccated, with corneal necrosis, purulent discharge, and keratitis. The lack of a menace response confirmed blindness, though the animal remained alert and continued eating normally. The temperature, pulse rate, and respiratory rate were 38.4°C, 88 beats/minute, and 28 cycles/minute, respectively. The capillary refill time was less than 2 seconds. Exenteration was performed to prevent secondary infection, relieve pain, and improve the animal’s comfort. The ewe recovered uneventfully, showing appropriate postoperative adaptation and wound healing at the two-week follow-up.

Conclusion: In emergencies, after unsuccessful attempts to salvage the globe due to extended exposure and tissue necrosis, the exenteration of the affected orbit is the most appropriate course of action, and the findings of the current study support this conclusion.