No abstract

A novel equine multi-modal protocol was implemented for management of unilateral equine dry eye disease and worsening persistent epithelial defects in a clinically well Irish Sports Horse. Utilising knowledge directly from human ophthalmic medicine for meibomian gland dysfunction, the meibomian glands were first mechanically debrided and expressed. Then a four-point treatment protocol was instigated. The protocol comprised hot compressing, artificial tears, autologous serum and a topical azithromycin regimen, resulting in a significant improvement in persistent epithelial defects and clinical signs. This case highlights the benefits of a treatment plan containing both nonpharmacological and pharmacological therapies targeting the lipid component of the tear film matrix in horses with dry eye disease.

An 11-year-old Labrador retriever was evaluated for bilateral ocular discomfort and visual deficits. Ophthalmic examination revealed bilateral uveitis with secondary glaucoma; the right eye was blind. Further investigations revealed bilateral retinal detachment, a diffuse interstitial lung pattern and bilateral focal adrenomegaly. Aqueocentesis of the left eye diagnosed a melanocytic malignancy, whereas only inflammation was detected in the right eye. A staged bilateral enucleation was performed and histopathology revealed metastatic melanoma in both eyes. Complete staging diagnosed an unrelated pulmonary neoplasm but failed to detect a primary site of the melanoma. The patient was euthanased 17 weeks post diagnosis due to development of neurological signs. Postmortem examination confirmed disseminated melanoma but failed to reveal a primary site. This unusual case highlights the diagnostic utility of bilateral aqueocentesis in canine uveitis investigation and the critical role of histopathological evaluation of enucleated globes to discriminate between primary and metastatic neoplasia in the eye.