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Microphthalmia with multiple ocular abnormalities in a foal.
Abstract: The aim of this report was to provide a clinical description and clinical, ultrasonographic, and histologic images of a foal with microphthalmia and multiple ocular abnormalities. Methods: A 12-h old Friesian-American Paint Horse crossbred filly presented for blindness, microphthalmia and marked ventral strabismus in both eyes. Methods: A complete ophthalmic examination was performed. Ultrasound biomicroscopy and B-mode ultrasonography were performed. The globes were submitted for histopathology. Results: Ultrasound biomicroscopy demonstrated a hyperechoic cornea void of the typical epithelium, stroma, and Descemet's membrane layers. The anterior chamber was spanned by thick strands of hyperechoic tissue extending from the iris to the cornea. The lens was not visualized. B-mode ultrasound showed aphakia and mild, mottled echogenicity within the vitreous with no evidence of retinal detachment. On histopathology, both globes were microphthalmic with poorly defined corneal tissue. The anterior chambers were poorly formed and contained lacrimal glandular tissue. Portions of iridal tissue were present, but no lenses were noted. The retinas were segmentally detached and markedly atrophied with areas of retina dysplasia noted. Conclusions: This report provides a clinical, ultrasonographic and histologic description of a rare, congenital condition in a foal characterized by microphthalmia, aphakia, poorly defined corneal tissue, choristomatous differentiation of the anterior segment and retinal dysplasia.
© 2024 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.
Publication Date: 2024-07-16 PubMed ID: 39013804DOI: 10.1111/vop.13254Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
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Summary
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This research study provides a comprehensive description of a rare eye condition in a foal characterized by microphthalmia (abnormally small eyes), aphakia (absence of the lens of the eye), undefined corneal tissue, abnormal differentiation of the anterior segment of the eye, and retinal dysplasia using clinical, ultrasonographic and histopathologic examinations.
Research Methodology
- The study focused on a 12-hour-old Friesian-American Paint Horse crossbred filly that presented symptoms of blindness, microphthalmia, and marked ventral strabismus (misalignment of the eyes) in both eyes.
- A complete ophthalmic examination was performed, along with ultrasound biomicroscopy and B-mode ultrasonography. The globes (eyes) were submitted for histopathology, which is the study of changes in tissues caused by disease.
Research Findings
- Ultrasound biomicroscopy showed issues with the cornea: it was hyperechoic (produced a high-intensity ultrasound echo), and it lacked the usual epithelium, stroma, and Descemet’s membrane layers. Thick strands of hyperechoic tissue spanned from the iris to the cornea in the anterior chamber of the eye.
- The lens was not visible, indicative of aphakia. B-mode ultrasound displayed a mild, blotchy echogenicity within the vitreous (transparent jelly-like tissue filling the eyeball) and no evidence of retinal detachment.
- Upon histopathological examination, both globes were found to be microphthalmic with poorly defined corneal tissue. The anterior chambers were malformed and contained lacrimal glandular tissue. Sections of iridal (relating to the iris) tissue were found, but no lenses.
- The retinas were segmentally detached and considerably atrophied, with areas showing retinal dysplasia (abnormal growth or development of the retina).
Conclusions
- The researchers concluded that the foal was suffering from a rare congenital condition characterized by several ocular abnormalities. These included microphthalmia, aphakia, poorly defined corneal tissue, choristomatous differentiation of the anterior segment (abnormal development or placement of tissue in the anterior segment), and retinal dysplasia.
- This study succeeded in providing a comprehensive clinical, ultrasonographic and histologic description of this rare condition in a foal.
Cite This Article
APA
Cho PW, Park SA, Sledge D, Gruenwald R, Townsend WM.
(2024).
Microphthalmia with multiple ocular abnormalities in a foal.
Vet Ophthalmol.
https://doi.org/10.1111/vop.13254 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Michigan State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Michigan State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.
References
This article includes 9 references
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Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Morgan J, Curtis Shaw G, Weisman J, Cecere T, Carvallo-Chaigneau FR. Bilateral intraocular choristoma in a 2-day-old foal. J Vet Diagn Invest 2025 Jul;37(4):652-656.
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