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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Ophthalmol / Calcification and osseous metaplasia of the meibomian glands...
Veterinary ophthalmology2022; 26 Suppl 1; 163-167; doi: 10.1111/vop.13011

Calcification and osseous metaplasia of the meibomian glands of a horse.

Abstract: To report the clinical history, surgical management, and histologic findings of meibomian gland calcification and osseous metaplasia in a horse. Methods: A 21-year-old Selle Français gelding presented with a 9 months history of blepharitis, blepharospasm, and epiphora affecting the right eye. The horse was diagnosed with meibomianitis and impaction with associated granulomas, but not treated surgically for 6 years. Methods: Physical and ophthalmic examinations, and systemic bloodwork were performed. A diamond burr debridement was performed on a corneal ulceration, and meibomian gland nodules were excised and examined histologically. Results: Multiple firm concretions were associated with the palpebral conjunctiva of each eyelid. The largest nodule (5 × 4 × 10 mm) was excised from the lower right eyelid. Histology revealed dilated meibomian ducts with mineralized inspissated secretions surrounded by fibrosis and osseous metaplasia. Following nodule excision and corneal ulcer resolution, no blepharospasm or epiphora recurred for a follow-up period of 15 months. Conclusions: Calcification and osseous metaplasia of the meibomian glands was identified in a Selle Français gelding. It is suspected that inspissated meibomian secretions led to a local granulomatous reaction with secondary dystrophic calcification and osseous metaplasia.
© 2022 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.
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Publication Date: 2022-07-21 PubMed ID: 35861137DOI: 10.1111/vop.13011Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article tells the clinical story of a 21-year-old horse that had calcification and osseous metaplasia in its meibomian glands. The conditions were eventually managed through surgical procedures and the case is documented along with its histological findings.

Clinical History and Initial Examination

  • The horse, a Selle Français gelding, had a 9-month history of blepharitis, blepharospasm, and epiphora (excessive watering) affecting its right eye.
  • Originally, it was diagnosed with meibomianitis, an inflammation of the meibomian glands, and impaction with associated granulomas. However, the condition was not treated surgically for six years.
  • Upon physical and an ophthalmic examination of the horse, and after its systemic bloodwork was taken and analyzed, a problem was identified with the horse’s meibomian glands which warranted further investigation and treatment.

Surgical Management and Histological Findings

  • A diamond burr debridement, a procedure done to remove or scrape off dead or infected tissue, was conducted on a corneal ulceration that was found on the horse.
  • In addition to this, nodules from the horse’s meibomian glands were excised (cut out) and histologically examined.
  • Results from the examination revealed dilated meibomian ducts with mineralized secretions. These secretions were hardened (inspissated) and surrounded by a development of excess fibrous connective tissue (fibrosis), and a condition called osseous metaplasia which is an unusual transformation where normal tissue changes into bone tissue.

Outcome and Conclusion

  • Upon removing the nodules and resolving the corneal ulcer, no recurrence of blepharospasm or epiphora was observed for a follow-up period of 15 months.
  • The conclusion drawn from this case study is that calcification and osseous metaplasia of the meibomian glands occurred in the horse.
  • The researchers suspect that the hardened meibomian secretions initially led to a local granulomatous reaction (inflammation), which went on to trigger secondary dystrophic calcification, a condition where calcium builds up in damaged or dead tissue, and then eventually osseous metaplasia.

Cite This Article

APA
Gunsalus K, Taylor R, Croix N. (2022). Calcification and osseous metaplasia of the meibomian glands of a horse. Vet Ophthalmol, 26 Suppl 1, 163-167. https://doi.org/10.1111/vop.13011

Publication

Veterinary ophthalmology
ISSN: 1463-5224
NlmUniqueID: 100887377
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 26 Suppl 1
Pages: 163-167

Researcher Affiliations

Gunsalus, Kerry
  • Department of Ophthalmology, The Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island, West Islip, New York, USA.
Taylor, Ryan
  • Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
Croix, Noelle La
  • Department of Ophthalmology, The Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island, West Islip, New York, USA.

MeSH Terms

  • Male
  • Animals
  • Horses
  • Meibomitis / veterinary
  • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
  • Horse Diseases / pathology
  • Horse Diseases / surgery
  • Corneal Ulcer / veterinary
  • Lacrimal Duct Obstruction / veterinary

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