Diagnosis and surgical management of a retrobulbar abscess causing unilateral exophthalmos in a Boer goat

Abstract

A 10‐year‐old Boer goat wether presented for unilateral exophthalmos of 2‐ to 3‐week duration. Ocular ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) were utilized in the diagnosis of the patient's orbital disease and surgical planning. Exenteration was performed under the same general anesthetic event as CT. Cytology, culture, and histopathology were performed after exenteration. Cytology was consistent with a mixed bacterial infection. Culture confirmed the presence of Streptococcus ovis. Histopathology on the enucleated globe and mass revealed no evidence of tumor and confirmed intraocular extension of retrobulbar inflammation. Histopathologic diagnosis was consistent with severe chronic orbital pyogranuloma and fibrinosuppurative endophthalmitis confined to the subretinal space. The abscess recurred in the orbital space 2 weeks postoperatively; the orbit was explored. Repeat culture was consistent with S. ovis, Staphylococcus schleigeri subspecies coagulans, and Fusobacterium necrophorum. Complete resolution was obtained after drainage and lavage of the orbit. Abscess is cited as a cause of exophthalmos in small ruminants, but no individual case reports exist. Advanced imaging allowed presumptive diagnosis and surgical planning. Histopathology confirmed intraocular extension of retrobulbar disease.