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Veterinary ophthalmology2024; 28(4); 741-746; doi: 10.1111/vop.13276

Survey of ocular abnormalities in a population of Turkmen horses.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to detect and describe ocular abnormalities in a population of Turkmen horses. Methods: A total of 55 Turkmen horses (33 mares and 22 stallions) from one herd were evaluated in this study. Methods: Demographic data (Age, Sex, Coat color) were recorded. All animals underwent complete ophthalmic examination. The Schirmer tear test -I (STT-I) was performed for all horses prior to other diagnostic tests. Neuro-ophthalmic examinations (menace response, dazzle reflex, pupillary light reflex, maze test, and visual tracking) were carried out in different lighting situations (bright and dim lights). Slit lamp biomicroscopy, direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy, fluorescein staining, and tonometry were performed for each horse. Results: The mean (standard deviation) age of horses was 5.7 (4.6) years (range of 1-17 years). In total, 18 horses (32.7%) had ocular-related lesions. Cataract, iris hyperpigmentation and corneal edema were the most identified conditions in the horses of this study. Conclusions: About one-third of studied horses had at least one ocular abnormality. No ocular abnormalities attributed to the distinct cream/gold coat color were identified, which the Turkmen horse is known for.
© 2024 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.
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Publication Date: 2024-09-16 PubMed ID: 39285682DOI: 10.1111/vop.13276Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The study sought to identify and document eye abnormalities in a group of Turkmen horses. The examination involved various techniques inclusive of tonometry, biomicroscopy, fluorescein staining, and neuro-ophthalmic tests, with findings revealing that about one-third of these horses had at least one ocular abnormality.

Study Methodology

  • The study targeted 55 Turkmen horses, made up of 33 female horses (mares) and 22 male horses (stallions) from a single herd. The researchers recorded each horse’s age, sex, and coat colour.
  • The horses were subjected to a complete eye examination which included a range of tests. One of these tests was the Schirmer tear test- I (STT-I). This test measures tear production and is done before any other eyeball diagnostic procedures.
  • Neuro-ophthalmic examinations were also conducted during both dim and bright lighting conditions. These tests such as the menace response, dazzle reflex, pupillary light reflex, maze test, and visual tracking, were conducted to assess the horses’ eye nerve functions.
  • Other procedures like direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy, fluorescence staining, and tonometry were also performed. These procedures further evaluate the different aspects of the horse’s eye anatomy and function.

Key Findings

  • The mean age of the horses under study was 5.7 years, with individual horse ages ranging from 1 to 17 years. The standard deviation, a measure of the age distribution variance, was recorded at 4.6 years.
  • About 32.7% of the horses, which is approximately one-third of the study population, were found to have eye-related lesions. This indicates that ocular issues are relatively common in the surveyed Turkmen horse population.
  • Common ocular abnormalities included cataracts, corneal edema and iris hyperpigmentation. However, the study found no eye abnormalities linked to the distinct cream or gold coat that Turkmen horses are renowned for.

Conclusion

  • The researchers concluded that there is a significant prevalence of eye abnormalities in the Turkmen horse population surveyed, with about one-third of the horses experienced at least one ocular abnormality.
  • No ocular abnormalities were found to be associated with the particular coat colour of the Turkmen horses.
  • This study provides a crucial stepping-stone for future investigations into the causes and possible prevention strategies for ocular abnormalities in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Faghihi H, Gharibi A, Ansari Mood M, Rajaei SM, Alavi SM. (2024). Survey of ocular abnormalities in a population of Turkmen horses. Vet Ophthalmol, 28(4), 741-746. https://doi.org/10.1111/vop.13276

Publication

Veterinary ophthalmology
ISSN: 1463-5224
NlmUniqueID: 100887377
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 28
Issue: 4
Pages: 741-746

Researcher Affiliations

Faghihi, Houman
  • Ophthalmology Section, Negah Veterinary Centre, Tehran, Iran.
Gharibi, Afsaneh
  • Department of Veterinary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Semnan, Semnan, Iran.
Ansari Mood, Maneli
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Rajaei, Seyed Mehdi
  • Ophthalmology Section, Negah Veterinary Centre, Tehran, Iran.
Alavi, Seyyed Morteza
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Horses
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
  • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Male
  • Eye Diseases / veterinary
  • Eye Diseases / epidemiology
  • Turkey / epidemiology

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