Characterization and outcome following excision of masses in the nictitating membranes of horses: 50 cases (1998-2012).
Abstract: To determine the histologic findings associated with masses in the nictitating membranes (third eyelids) of horses and to identify prognostic factors associated with recurrence and the outcome. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 50 horses with masses in a third eyelid. Methods: Medical records of horses with partial or complete excision of a third eyelid and submission for histologic evaluation between September 1998 and November 2012 were reviewed. Horses were included if follow-up information for at least 1 year after surgery was available. Information regarding signalment and treatment was obtained from the medical records. Histopathology reports were examined to determine surgical margins and vascular invasion. Data were analyzed by means of a χ(2) test to determine the association between recurrence and type of excision (partial or complete), surgical margins, vascular invasion, and use of chemotherapy as well as the association between partial excision of a third eyelid prior to referral and outcome. Results: Squamous cell carcinoma was the predominant tumor type of the third eyelid. There was recurrence in 10 of 50 (20%) horses; recurrence was at a mean of 2.25 years and median of 1.5 years after excision. Partial excision prior to referral was associated with outcome. Conclusions: In horses with masses in a third eyelid, recurrence and mortality rates were high, which suggested that long-term monitoring is important for all patients in which partial or complete third eyelid excision is performed.
Publication Date: 2014-09-18 PubMed ID: 25229533DOI: 10.2460/javma.245.7.812Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research evaluates the characteristics and outcome of nictitating membrane (third eyelids) surgery in horses. Basing its findings on historical cases, it identifies squamous cell carcinoma as the predominant type of tumor affecting this part of the eye. The study found a relatively high rate of recurrence and mortality, so underlines the importance of long-term monitoring following surgery.
Study Design and Methods
- The study is a retrospective review of 50 cases involving horses with masses in their third eyelid. The cases span from September 1998 to November 2012.
- The researchers included cases in which detailed follow-up information was available for at least one year post-surgery.
- The study focused on horses that underwent partial or complete excision of the third eyelid, submitting the removed part for histologic evaluation.
- Data collected from medical records included information about the horse (signalment) and the treatment administered.
- The histopathology reports were evaluated to determine surgical margins and any vascular invasion.
- The data was analyzed using a χ(2) test to determine the association between the recurrence of the mass and factors such as the type of excision, surgical margins, vascular invasion, and the use of chemotherapy.
- The association between partial excision prior to referral and the outcome was also assessed.
Key Findings
- The predominant tumor type in the third eyelid of horses was found to be squamous cell carcinoma.
- Of the 50 horses, 10, or 20%, had a recurrence of the mass. Recurrence happened, on average, 2.25 years after surgery, with the median being 1.5 years post-surgery.
- There was an identified association between conducting a partial excision of the third eyelid prior to referral and the outcome of the treatment.
Conclusions
- The rate of recurrence and mortality was notably high in horses that underwent surgery for masses in the third eyelid.
- Long-term monitoring following partial or complete third eyelid excision was recommended due to these findings.
Cite This Article
APA
Scherrer NM, Lassaline-Utter M, McKenna BC.
(2014).
Characterization and outcome following excision of masses in the nictitating membranes of horses: 50 cases (1998-2012).
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 245(7), 812-815.
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.245.7.812 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA 19348.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
- Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / surgery
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / veterinary
- Eyelid Neoplasms / pathology
- Eyelid Neoplasms / surgery
- Eyelid Neoplasms / veterinary
- Female
- Horse Diseases / surgery
- Horses
- Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / pathology
- Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / surgery
- Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / veterinary
- Male
- Nictitating Membrane / pathology
- Nictitating Membrane / surgery
- Retrospective Studies
- Sarcoma / pathology
- Sarcoma / surgery
- Sarcoma / veterinary
- Treatment Outcome
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Sakai H, Goto M, Komatsu T. Basal cell adenocarcinoma in the gland of the third eyelid of a brown bear (Ursus arctos). J Vet Med Sci 2017 Aug 4;79(8):1348-1351.
- Ing ST, Pinard CL, James-Jenks EM, Leis ML. A retrospective survey of equine ocular diseases evaluated at a referral hospital in Ontario (2011 to 2021). Can Vet J 2025 Mar;66(3):308-317.
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