Transcorneal aspiration for management of primary iris cysts in the standing horse.
Abstract: Equine primary iris cysts are usually incidental findings but, if associated with clinical signs, may require intervention. The use of laser (Nd:Yag or diode) has been reported but requires specialised equipment. Transcorneal aspiration has not been previously evaluated in the standing horse. To review outcomes of standing transcorneal aspiration of primary iris cysts (STAPIC) in horses. Horses were identified from electronic patient records from 2018 to 2024 across four collaborating centres. Clinical presentation and outcomes were identified and reported using descriptive statistics. Eighteen horses were identified. Behavioural signs reported included 'spooking' and changes in rideability often associated with jumping. Single large unilateral cysts were present in 11 horses, bilateral cysts in three horses and multiple unilateral cysts in four horses. Following treatment, one horse developed uveitis and fibrin in the anterior chamber associated with needle contact with the iris stroma due to movement, and a second horse developed fibrin within the anterior chamber. Both conditions resolved with anti-inflammatory medication and administration of tissue plasminogen activator. No other adverse effects were reported. Follow-up was available from all horses (median: 6 months, interquartile range [IQR]: 4-11 months) with no recurrence, although one horse developed an iris cyst in the contralateral eye after 3 years. All owners reported improvement in clinical signs, with 61% reporting no further signs. STAPIC is an effective and easily accessible alternative for treating iris cysts in horses rarely associated with complications.
© 2024 The Author(s). Veterinary Medicine and Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Publication Date: 2024-07-30 PubMed ID: 39078405PubMed Central: PMC11288182DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1570Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research paper examines the effectiveness and outcomes of standing transcorneal aspiration as a treatment for primary iris cysts in horses. The main findings suggest that it’s a viable alternative to laser treatments, showing substantial improvements in clinical signs, few complications, and no recurrence of the condition in most cases.
Objective and Methodology
- The primary goal of the study was to assess the outcomes of a treatment method for equine primary iris cysts known as standing transcorneal aspiration (STAPIC).
- The focus was on evaluating STAPIC’s effectiveness, administered on horses in a standing position, as previously, this method wasn’t evaluated in standing horses.
- Data was gathered from electronic patient records of horses treated with STAPIC across four different centers from 2018 to 2024.
- The evaluation involved looking at the clinical presentation and the outcomes post-treatment, with results narrated with descriptive statistics.
Results
- Eighteen horses with primary iris cysts were identified and treated using STAPIC.
- Behavioral signs such as ‘spooking‘ and changes in rideability, often associated with jumping, were observed.
- Most of the horses had single large unilateral cysts, but some had bilateral cysts or multiple unilateral cysts.
- Post-treatment, complications were noted in two horses. One developed uveitis and fibrin in the anterior chamber due to accidental needle contact with the iris stroma, caused by unexpected movement. The other developed fibrin within the anterior chamber.
- All complications were resolved through anti-inflammatory medication and administration of tissue plasminogen activator.
Follow-Up and Conclusions
- Follow-up was maintained with all horses over a median period of six months, with 0% recurrence of primary iris cysts.
- However, one horse did develop an iris cyst in the opposite eye three years later.
- All owners reported improvement in the clinical signs after treatment, with 61% reporting complete cessation of signs.
- Based on these results, the researchers concluded that STAPIC is a highly effective and more easily accessible alternative to treat iris cysts in horses, rarely associated with complications.
Cite This Article
APA
Conduit S, Bowen M, Hallowell G, Pereira R, Rapezzano G, Redpath A.
(2024).
Transcorneal aspiration for management of primary iris cysts in the standing horse.
Vet Med Sci, 10(5), e1570.
https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.1570 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK.
- Equine Medicine Veterinary Referrals, Melton Mowbray, UK.
- Pool House Equine Hospital, Part of IVC Evidensia, Fradley, UK.
- Pool House Equine Hospital, Part of IVC Evidensia, Fradley, UK.
- Pool House Equine Hospital, Part of IVC Evidensia, Fradley, UK.
- Donnington Grove Equine Hospital, Part of IVC Evidensia, Newbury, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Horses
- Animals
- Horse Diseases / therapy
- Cysts / veterinary
- Iris Diseases / veterinary
- Iris Diseases / surgery
- Male
- Female
- Retrospective Studies
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Ostendarp C, Barton AK. Intraocular Tumors in Horses: Diagnosis, Tumor Classification, Oncologic Assessment and Therapy. Vet Sci 2025 Oct 17;12(10).
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