An unusual case of reversible blindness associated with ophthalmomyiasis in a sow

Abstract

Ophthalmomyiasis is a rare condition occurring when maggots feed on the orbital tissues of living organisms. Its treatment is often difficult as sensitive tissues like eyes are affected. A crossbred sow was presented with anorexia for the last 3 days, related to swelling of left eye and difficulty in movement and locating the feeding manger. Clinical examination revealed periorbital swelling, complete closure of left eye, blindness, foul odor and maggot infestation of eye socket. Treatment began with placing of turpentine oil dipped gauze over the eye and removal of maggots infesting the eye socket, followed by wound dressing. Ivermectin (0.3 mg/kg body weight S/C) once in a week (total two dosages), enrofloxacin (7.5 mg/kg I/M q72h) and meloxicam (0.5 mg/kg I/M O.D. for 5 days) were administered and the sow recovered completely after 2 weeks of therapy.