Ectopic cilium in seven horses.

The research studies the diagnosis and treatments of ectopic cilium, an uncommon ailment in horses, manifesting as a single misplaced eyelash causing eye discomfort and inflammation.

Research Context

• In this study, the researchers investigated cases of ectopic cilium in horses – a rare condition where an eyelash (cilia) grows in an abnormal location causing eye discomfort and inflammation.
• This condition was diagnosed and treated in seven adult horses through a process known as slit-lamp biomicroscopy and surgical excision via the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that covers the front of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids.

Findings

• Each case presented similar symptoms, including blepharospasm (involuntary shutting of the eyelid), ocular discharge, and keratitis (corneal inflammation). These symptoms differed from the often associated corneal ulceration in horses, which was not observed in any of the studied cases.
• Upon examination, a single translucent cilium could be seen situated in the upper eyelid’s palpebral conjunctiva, emerging about 5mm from the eyelid margin.
• Most horses responded positively to the surgical excision procedure, with one case showing a recurrence of ectopic cilium six weeks post-operation. This indicates the procedure was largely effective but highlights there might still be potential for the condition to recur.

Confirmation and Significance

• In two of the cases, a histopathologic examination (a microscopic examination of biological tissues to observe the appearance of diseased cells and tissues in very fine detail) was conducted and confirmed the diagnosis of ectopic cilium in one instance.
• This is the first published study to report incidents of ectopic cilia in horses. It thereby emphasises the need to consider this as a potential cause for eye-related disorders in horses like uncontrollable eyelid movement, eye discharge, and inflammation of the cornea.