Bacteroides sp. as a cause of anaerobic keratitis in a pony

Abstract

This Case Report describes anaerobic infection of the conjunctiva and cornea in a pony. A 13-year-old pony was admitted for evaluation following suspected ocular trauma. Bacterial conjunctivitis and keratitis were diagnosed based on clinical appearance of the eye and cytological evaluation of a corneal scraping. The pony responded poorly to topical therapy, and enucleation was performed. Culture of the corneal scraping yielded Corynebacterium sp. and Bacteroides sp. Anaerobic keratitis and conjunctivitis is uncommonly reported in horses, but should be suspected when there is a history of ocular trauma or skin disease, or when a malodorous ocular discharge is identified.