Differential diagnoses, investigation, and management of a periocular swelling close to the nasolacrimal duct in a horse – A case report of Dacryops.

The research article describes a case of a horse presenting with a swelling near the eye, which was investigated and diagnosed as a nasolacrimal duct cyst, also known as a dacryops. It discusses the process of differential diagnoses, investigation, and management of this condition in a horse.

Presentation of the Case

• The researchers were confronted with a 16-year-old Connemara cross gelding horse, that presented with a periocular swelling located rostroventral medial to the right eye.
• The swelling near the nasolacrimal duct had been previously sampled by the referring veterinary surgeon.

Investigation and Diagnosis

• A standing computed tomography (CT) was performed on the horse, leading to the diagnosis of a cystic lesion.
• This cystic lesion was consistent with a nasolacrimal duct dacryops, also known as a lacrimal cyst. The cyst had a small amount of mineralized material present in its center.
• The diagnosis was further confirmed via histopathology and immunohistochemistry examination of the excised tissue.

Management and Outcome

• Surgical removal of the lacrimal cyst was undertaken as a treatment measure.
• Following the surgery, the horse was found to be cured of the swelling, showing no recurrence of clinical signs even seven months post-operation.
• The research concludes that such cysts or dacryops can form in horses, as well as other species, and their surgical removal seems to yield a favorable outcome.

Conclusions

• This case report provides a valuable insight into the diagnostic approach and management of a periocular swelling in a horse, particularly highlighting the potential occurrence of dacryops and its curative treatment via surgical intervention.
• The study thereby informs veterinary practices regarding the effective investigation and management of similar cases in a clinical setting.