Ophthalmic findings in a herd of Caspian miniature horses

Abstract

Background:The Caspian miniature horse (CMH) is a small horse breed, which has not previously been evaluated for ophthalmic diseases. Objectives:The purpose of this study was to describe the ocular findings and to declare the normal ocular parameters seen in a small herd of CMH. Study design:Cross-sectional study.Methods: Forty-five Caspian miniature horses (25 mares and 20 stallions) were examined. Complete ophthalmic examination, commensal ocular surface microbiota culture and measurement of the horizontal and vertical fissure length were performed.Results: Mean ± SD age of horses was 52.0 ± 33.9 months (range: 12-122 months). Nine different ocular disorders were observed: dacryocystitis, conjunctivitis, linear keratopathy, Haab's striae, corpora nigra atrophy, iris hyperpigmentation, cataract, peripapillary butterfly inactive lesions and inactive choroiditis were detected. In total, 17 eyes (18.8%) of 12 horses (26.2%) had ocular related lesions. Two horses (4%) had more than one ocular lesion; the lesions were consistent with a diagnosis of either traumatic or recurrent uveitis. No vision loss was detected in these horses despite the identified ocular disorders. Main limitations: Limited number of studied animals.Conclusions: This study reported ocular findings in a small herd of CMH. A minority of horses in the herd had ocular lesions suggesting a history of glaucoma and/or equine recurrent uveitis.