A Survey and Treatment of Ocular Carcinomas in Iraqi Dairy Cows from (1987- 2012)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to survey and describe the Iraqi dairy cows population underwent eye enucleation, referring to possible complications that may be happened, the type and pathomorphological features of ocular neoplastic growths. During a study period of (25) years. A total of (12000), cows were examined. Of these 500 cows (4.17%) of different ages (3 to 12) years sufer from ocular tumors. Some of these cows were in various pregnancy stages. All animals under investigation were (local and cross breed) and from five dairy farms around Baghdad province.The majority of the cases 174 (34.8%) observed in Alrathwanya. The mostly affected age ranged between (7-8) years, the number reached 185 (37%). According to the seasons of the year, summer recored the highest number of affections, 260 (52%).The Lesions were present in the right eye 256 cases (51.2% ), in the left eye 244 cases (48.8%). Their were significant differences between non-pregnant, 425 (85%) and pregnant cows, 75 (15%). Using standard procedures, the tumors were excised surgically under the effect of local anesthesia (lidocaine 2%) with or without sedation The major surgical complications were hemorrhage in (7%) of the cases. Sewelling of pre-orbital region were observed in (15%). Orbital infections were noticed in (3%) of the cases. Partial dehiscence of the suture line was happened in (4%) of the treatment cases.Two cases (0.04%), showed transitory serosanguineous or bloody unilateral nasal discharge. Four cases (0.08%) developed recurrent tumors. Only one pregnant cow was aborted. Two cows were culled, two years post-surgery. Finally two cows were died from causes not related to surgery. The removal lesions had a nodular or cauliflower-like appearance and were varied in size from a few centimeters (12 %) to several centimeters (88%). Over a quarter (25%) of tumor lesions were ulcerated and bled easily. Microscopical apperances showed (well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma), characterized by formation of keratin pearls appear as red onion-like structures surround by inflammatory cells infiltration. The neoplastic cells showed mitotic figures, some of these cells have nucleus with prominent nucleoli. In conclusion, eye enucleation will remain an inexpensive, safe and viable treatment option for ocular diseases, in addition it increase the longevity of the cows within the herd.