Keratoconjunctivitis sicca associated with fracture of the stylohyoid bone in a horse.

The research paper describes a case where a horse developed keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye syndrome) following a fracture of the stylohyoid bone (a bone in the skull), and the treatment implemented to manage the condition.

Objective of the Study

This study focused on a unique case of a mare who developed keratoconjunctivitis sicca associated with a fracture in the stylohyoid bone. The purpose of the research was to document this unusual occurrence and the therapeutic approach used to manage the disease.

Case Description

• The mare, a subject of the study, experienced a fracture to the stylohyoid bone, an event which led to the development of keratoconjunctivitis sicca, a condition characterized by decreased tear production leading to dry eyes.
• This case is unique as it suggests a possible relationship between stylohyoid bone fracture and the onset of keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Typically, these two conditions are not directly linked.

Treatment Approach

• The treatment in this particular case was directed towards preserving the health of the horse’s globe (eye) while the inflammation at the site of the fracture was being treated and resolved.
• While the study does not detail the specific methods of treatment used, it does demonstrate a dual approach to managing both the implications of the fracture and the symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

Significance of the Study

• The study’s findings underscore the importance of closely monitoring horses following a stylohyoid bone fracture for any signs of decreased tear production or dry eye syndrome. Because this connection is not widely recognized, horses with such fractures may be at risk of developing eye problems if not properly monitored.
• Furthermore, this case study raises crucial questions about the potential link between fractures of the stylohyoid bone and development of keratoconjunctivitis sicca, highlighting a need for further research in this area.