Prospective study of ocular and periocular diseases in animals: 188 cases

Equine pectinate ligament descemetization is associated with age

PURPOSE

To evaluate the correlation between equine pectinate ligament descemetization and ocular disease.

METHODS

The pathology database of the North Carolina State University Veterinary Medical Center was searched from 2010-2021 for all equine globes. Disease status was then assigned as affected by glaucoma, uveitis, or "other" based upon clinical records. The iridocorneal angles (ICA) of each globe were evaluated for the presence of pectinate ligament descemetization, the length of descemetization, as well as for the degree of angle collapse and the extent of cellular infiltrate or proteinaceous debris. One slide from each eye was evaluated by two separate, blinded investigators (HW & TS).

RESULTS

A total of 66 eyes from 61 horses were identified, with a total of 124 sections of ICA of sufficient quality to review. 16 horses were affected by uveitis, 8 by glaucoma, 7 by both glaucoma and uveitis, and 30 horses by other ocular disease, most commonly ocular surface disease or neoplasia, which served as controls. Pectinate ligament descemetization was most prevalent in the control group compared to the glaucoma and uveitis groups. Pectinate ligament descemetization length was positively correlated with age, with an increase of 13.5 μm per year of age (p = .016). Infiltrate scores and angle closure scores were higher in both the glaucoma and uveitis group compared to the control group (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Equine pectinate ligament descemetization appears to be correlated with increased age and should not be used as a histologic marker for the presence of glaucoma.

Sports ball projectile ocular trauma in dogs

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical features, management, and outcome of dogs presenting with sports ball projectile ocular injuries.

ANIMALS STUDIED

Eighteen dogs.

PROCEDURES

A retrospective study reviewing cases of ocular injury due to a sports ball projectile that presented to the Cornell University ophthalmology service between 2004 and 2021. Dog age, type of sports ball, initial ocular lesions, eye affected, clinical management, and visual outcome were recorded.

RESULTS

Sports ball projectile ocular injuries were identified in 18 eyes of 18 dogs. The median age of the dogs was 1.0 years old, ranging from 0.3- to 9-years- old. Nine dogs were male, and 9 were female. Ocular injuries were caused by small, dense balls (e.g., golf balls, baseballs) in 11 dogs; small, light balls (e.g., tennis balls, toy balls) in 5 dogs; and large, soft balls (e.g., soccer ball, football) in 2 dogs. Closed-globe injuries (12 of 18 eyes) presented with traumatic uveitis (91%), hyphema (45%), and subconjunctival hemorrhage (18%). All 12 closed-globe injury cases were medically managed, eight dogs remained visual. Open-globe injuries (6 of 18 dogs) presented with three corneal lacerations and three scleral ruptures. Five open-globe injuries required enucleation, and one was medically managed and maintained vision.

CONCLUSION

Sports ball projectile ocular injuries in dogs can result in substantial ocular morbidity and in loss of vision. Small, dense balls were associated with injuries that carried the most guarded prognosis and required more aggressive management. Small and large lighter projectiles were associated with less serious ocular injuries and visual outcomes.

Canine Primary Corneal Fibrosarcoma - Case Report

This is the first report of a primary corneal fibrosarcoma in a canine. A 4-year-old male dog, Blue Heeler, owas examined because of a reddish nodular mass in the right eye. A complete ophthalmic exam was conducted, including slit-lamp biomicroscopy, applanation tonometry, fundoscopy, ocular and abdominal ultrasound, hemogram, serum biochemistry profile, and a thoracic X-ray. After the ophthalmic evaluation of the right eye, conjunctival hyperemia and the presence of a .5 cm diameter mass was found in the cornea. The diagnosis of fibrosarcoma was confirmed by histopathological analysis. The keratectomy showed satisfactory results in the removal of the corneal fibrosarcoma. The patient was followed up on for 18 months after the surgical procedure, and there were not any signs of local recurrence or metastasis.