Topical treatment of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis - case report

ABSTRACT Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) is the most prevalent ocular disease in cattle herds worldwide. The primary etiological agent is Moraxella bovis, a bacterium that adheres to the corneal epithelial cells. Due to its high contagiousness, IBK has significant impacts on animal health and welfare, as well as economic losses. The present study reports the case of a Hereford calf presenting lesions in both eyes. Upon examination, clinical signs such as keratitis, corneal opacity, corneal ulceration, and melting were detected in the left eye. In the right eye, corneal perforation was observed. Additionally, the animal exhibited progressive weight loss, impaired vision, and difficulty in locomotion and feeding. The treatment was performed topically using ophthalmic solutions containing ciprofloxacin, acetylcysteine, and homologous serum. Corneal re-epithelialization of the left eye occurred within 30 days. Subsequently, antibiotic therapy was discontinued, and treatment continued with eye drops containing dexamethasone. At 45 days after the initiation of treatment, clinical resolution was achieved, with recovery of vision in the left eye. The topical treatment was successful, and the animal returned to normal behavior, locomotion, and feeding patterns.