Suture exostosis causing obstruction in the nasolacrimal duct in three horses.

The research article discusses the case of three horses that experienced facial swelling and tear overflow, known as epiphora, due to an abnormal bone growth at the lacrimomaxillary suture, which obstructed the nasolacrimal duct, the duct responsible for tear drainage.

Study Presentation

• The study revolves around the medical condition of three horses, all presenting with facial swelling and excessive tearing (epiphora).
• Radiographic examinations revealed that all three horses experienced abnormal bone growth, called exostosis, at the lacrimomaxillary suture, the joining line between the lacrimal bone and the maxilla.

Findings

• The research paper underscores that the obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct was located precisely where this duct traverses the lacrimomaxillary suture, which further validates the cause of the clinical signs.
• Positive contrast dacryocystorhinography, a diagnostic procedure that uses a contrast medium for better visualization of the nasolacrimal duct, was instrumental in diagnosing the exact site of obstruction.

Conclusion

• The paper concludes that lacrimomaxillary suture exostosis should be considered a differential diagnosis in cases of tear overflow in horses. Effective utilization of dacryocystorhinography, both retrograde (from the nose towards the eye) and normograde (from the eye towards the nose), is encouraged to aid in the diagnostic process.
• The study is groundbreaking as it opens up a new potential diagnosis for horses presenting with epiphora.