Leptospiral antibody prevalence and surgical treatment outcome in horses with Equine Recurrent Uveitis (ERU) in Switzerland.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate leptospiral antibody prevalence in 65 horses with ERU and compare outcome in 36 surgically treated eyes (2010-2015). PROCEDURES: Retrospective data analysis of horses with ERU (n = 65). C-value calculation with microagglutination assay titer (MAT) results for Leptospira spp. Evaluation of follow-up data after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV, n = 21 eyes) and suprachoroidal cyclosporine device implantation (SCDI, n = 15 eyes). Differences between groups were statistically analyzed using Fishers exact test, significance set at P < .05. RESULTS: Positive leptospiral titers were found in 28/65 blood, 31/65 aqueous humor (AH), and 19/20 vitreal (post-PPV) samples. The most common intraocular serovars were Leptospira interrogans grippotyphosa, pomona, and bratislava. Intraocular antibody production was suspected in samples of 22 horses (c-values > 1). Mean follow-up of surgical cases was 3.8 years (PPV) and 3.4 years (SCDI). PPV was performed in 21 eyes with positive, SCDI in 15 eyes with negative leptospiral test results. Uveitis recurred less often after PPV (2/21) compared to SCDI (6/15, P = .04). Retinal detachment occurred after PPV only (5/21, SCDI 0/15, P = .06), whereas only SCDI-treated eyes were enucleated (PPV 0/21, SCDI 3/15, P = .06). Blindness or visual impairment was equally likely to occur in both treatment groups after surgery (PPV 7/21, SCDI 7/15, P = .5). CONCLUSIONS: Leptospiral antibody prevalence is high in horses with ERU in Switzerland. Recurrence of uveitis is uncommon following PPV in the present study; an increased risk of retinal detachment exists. Enucleation is more often warranted in horses after SCDI in this study due to a higher uveitis recurrence.

A SIX6 Nonsense Variant in Golden Retrievers with Congenital Eye Malformations.

Causative genetic variants for more than 30 heritable eye disorders in dogs have been reported. For other clinically described eye disorders, the genetic cause is still unclear. We investigated four Golden Retriever litters segregating for highly variable congenital eye malformations. Several affected puppies had unilateral or bilateral retina dysplasia and/or optic nerve hypoplasia. The four litters shared the same father or grandfather suggesting a heritable condition with an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. The genome of one affected dog was sequenced and compared to 601 control genomes. A heterozygous private nonsense variant, c.487C>T, was found in the SIX6 gene. This variant is predicted to truncate about a third of the open reading frame, p.(Gln163*). We genotyped all available family members and 464 unrelated Golden Retrievers. All three available cases were heterozygous. Five additional close relatives including the common sire were also heterozygous, but did not show any obvious eye phenotypes. The variant was absent from the 464 unrelated Golden Retrievers and 17 non-affected siblings of the cases. The SIX6 protein is a homeobox transcription factor with a known role in eye development. In humans and other species, SIX6 loss of function variants were reported to cause congenital eye malformations. This strongly suggests that the c.487C>T variant detected contributed to the observed eye malformations. We hypothesize that the residual amount of functional SIX6 protein likely to be expressed in heterozygous dogs is sufficient to explain the observed incomplete penetrance and the varying severity of the eye defects in the affected dogs.

Ocular abnormalities in a herd of Old Kladruber Horses: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To screen a closed herd of the Old Kladruber Horses (OKH) for the prevalence of ocular disorders and report normal ocular variations. ANIMALS STUDIED: Two hundred and sixty-one horses, 122 Old Kladruber Gray Horses, and 139 Old Kladruber Black Horses owned by the National Stud Farm Kladruby nad Labem, Czech Republic, were included in the study with signalment and pedigree information recorded. PROCEDURES: Bilateral ocular examination of manually restrained horses was performed in a darkened environment by a single examiner (RA), using a portable slit-lamp biomicroscope, direct ophthalmoscope, and monocular indirect ophthalmoscopy using a Finnoff transilluminator and 20 D condensing lens. Fluorescein testing was performed when indicated. RESULTS: The animal ages ranged from 3 months to 27 years (mean 7.82 years, median 6 years). The gender ratio (males:females) was 109:152. Ophthalmological abnormalities were found in 133 (50.96%) horses; with right and left eyes affected equally. The most common abnormalities were cataract formation (35 horses), iris hyperpigmentation (29 horses), alterations in corpora nigra size (26 horses), nonsenile vitreal degeneration (24 horses), linear keratopathy (11 horses), corneal stromal haze (nine horses) and corneal subepithelial punctate opacities (nine horses). The most frequent variations of normal ocular anatomy were posterior lenticular suture lines (222 horses), tapetal hypoplasia (95 horses) resulting in a multi-colored tapetal fundus (31 horses), nuclear sclerosis (48 horses), and senile vitreal degeneration (30 horses). CONCLUSIONS: Ocular disorders were relatively common in OKH, but typically not vision threatening and not interfering with the quality of life.

Septic keratitis in dogs, cats, and horses in Switzerland: associated bacteria and antibiotic susceptibility.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the most common bacterial pathogens associated with septic keratitis in veterinary patients from Switzerland. The second objective was to analyze antibiotic susceptibility test results of the identified bacterial pathogens. The third objective was to evaluate potential breed predispositions to septic keratitis. PROCEDURES: Two hundred and fifty-five cultures and antibiotic susceptibility reports from dogs, cats, and horses with septic keratitis that were presented to the University of Zurich Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital between 2009 and 2013 were reviewed. Odds ratios for the risk of having a septic keratitis were estimated for all dog and cat breeds compared to the general nonbrachycephalic hospital population. RESULTS: Ninety-six, 29, and 31 positive cultures were obtained from 89 canine, 28 feline, and 29 equine eyes, respectively. Repeat sampling accounted for the differences in numbers. Negative culture results were obtained in 50, 31, and 18 cases. Staphylococci and streptococci accounted for 66% of the isolates in dogs and 80% of the isolates in cats and horses. Staphylococcus spp. had a higher percentage of fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates compared to previous reports. Brachycephalic breeds had elevated odds ratios for the presence of septic keratitis. CONCLUSION: Identified bacterial pathogens and their prevalence as well as the elevated odds ratios for septic keratitis in brachycephalics are roughly consistent with previous studies. Based on systemic breakpoint data, resistance to commonly used topical antibiotics, including the second-generation fluoroquinolones, was found.

Protective coatings for intraocular wirelessly controlled microrobots for implantation: Corrosion, cell culture, and in vivo animal tests.

Diseases in the ocular posterior segment are a leading cause of blindness. The surgical skills required to treat them are at the limits of human manipulation ability, and involve the risk of permanent retinal damage. Instrument tethering and design limit accessibility within the eye. Wireless microrobots suturelessly injected into the posterior segment, steered using magnetic manipulation are proposed for procedures involving implantation. Biocompatibility is a prerequisite for these procedures. This article investigates the use of polypyrrole- and gold-coated cobalt-nickel microrobots. While gold has been used in ocular implants, no ocular implantation involving polypyrrole is reported, despite its well-established biocompatibility properties. Coated and uncoated microrobots were investigated for their corrosion properties, and solutions that had contained coated and uncoated microrobots for one week were tested for cytotoxicity by monitoring NIH3T3 cell viability. None of the microrobots showed significant corrosion currents and corrosion potentials were as expected in relation to the intrinsic nobility of the materials. NIH3T3 cell viability was not affected by the release medium, in which coated/uncoated microrobots were stored. In vivo tests inside rabbit eyes were performed using coated microrobots. There were no significant inflammatory responses during the first week after injection. An inflammatory response detected after 2 weeks was likely due to a lack of longer-duration biocompatibility. The results provide valuable information for those who work on implant technology and biocompatibility. Coated microrobots have the potential to facilitate a new generation of surgical treatments, diagnostics and drug-delivery techniques, when implantation in the ocular posterior segment will be possible. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 836-845, 2017.

Sub-Tenon's injection in equine cadaver eyes: MRI visualization of anesthetic fluid distribution and comparison of two different volumes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the localization and distribution of two different anesthetic fluid volumes around equine cadaver eyes to determine an appropriate volume for a single sub-Tenon's injection in horses. PROCEDURE: A single sub-Tenon's injection of 2% lidocaine was performed in 10 equine cadaver heads (20 eyes) using two different volumes (7 mL on one side and 10 mL on the opposite side). The posterior circular distribution of the anesthetic was quantified in sagittal, dorsal, and transverse MRI (T2W-TSE) sequences and evaluated independently by three board-certified radiologists. The distribution of the two fluid volumes was compared via a paired Student's t-test. The interobserver reliability was evaluated via a Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: Extension of the injection fluid was observed along the dorsal and temporal quadrants of the globe within the subconjunctival space, the anterior and posterior sub-Tenon's space, and into the muscle sheaths along the extraocular muscles. Accumulation of anesthetic fluid directly surrounding the optic nerve was detected in three of 20 cadaver eyes. Circular distribution of the 7 and 10 mL anesthetic volumes was not significantly different (P = 0.849). More retrograde leakage of the anesthetic was observed using the 10 mL volume. Evaluation of interobserver reliability revealed no significant differences between observers (P = 0.21-0.92). CONCLUSIONS: Sub-Tenon's anesthesia can have potential as an alternative to retrobulbar anesthesia for ophthalmic surgeries in equines. A 7- to 10-mL injection volume should be appropriate based on the results of this study. The distribution of the anesthetic solution in live tissues, the clinical effects, and the potential for complications will have to be evaluated in vivo.

Specific Inner Retinal Layer Cell Damage in an Autoimmune Glaucoma Model Is Induced by GDNF With or Without HSP27.

PURPOSE: Previously, immunization of rats with ocular antigens induced retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration. We investigated the effect of immunization with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) or GDNF in combination with heat shock protein 27 (GDNF+HSP) on RGCs and other retinal cells. METHODS: Rats were immunized with GDNF or GDNF+HSP. After 4 weeks, retinas were stained with Brn-3a and NeuN to quantify RGCs. GFAP and vimentin staining were used to investigate macroglia. Microglia were marked with Iba1 and ED1. Amacrine cells were labeled with parvalbumin and ChAT. Photoreceptors were evaluated with rhodopsin and opsin staining and bipolar cells with PKCα and recoverin. For these cell types, Western blotting was also performed. RESULTS: Retinas of immunized animals showed a significant loss of Brn-3a+ and NeuN+ RGCs. No significant changes could be observed in regard to macroglia. An increase in Iba1+ microglia was detected in both groups, but little change in regard to activated microglia. A loss of cholinergic amacrine cells was seen in the GDNF+HSP group by immunohistochemistry and in both groups via Western blot analysis. AII amacrine cells, bipolar cells, and photoreceptors were not affected. CONCLUSIONS: Immunizations led to loss of RGCs and cholinergic amacrine cells and a strong increase in microglial cells. Our data suggest that RGC loss is the consequence of immunization with GDNF. Astrocyte activity and its neuroprotective effects seem to be inhibited by GDNF immunization. We presume more complex interactions between GDNF and HSP27 because no additive effects could be observed.

Penetration depth of corneal cross-linking with riboflavin and UV-A (CXL) in horses and rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: CXL penetration depth is an important variable influencing clinical treatment effect and safety. The purposes of this study were to determine the penetration depth of CXL in rabbit and equine corneas in epithelium-on and epithelium-off procedures and to assess an ex vivo fluorescent biomarker staining assay for objective assessment of CXL penetration depth. PROCEDURES: CXL treatment was performed according to a standardized protocol on 21 and 17 rabbit eyes and on 12 and 10 equine eyes with and without debridement, respectively. Control corneas were treated similarly, but not exposed to CXL. Hemicorneas were stained with either phalloidin and DAPI to visualize intracellular F-actin and nuclei, or with hematoxylin and eosin. Loss of actin staining was measured and compared between groups. RESULTS: Epithelium-off CXL caused a median actin cytoskeleton loss with a demarcation at 274 µm in rabbits and 173 µm in horses. In non-CXL-treated controls, we observed a median actin cytoskeleton loss with a demarcation at 134 µm in rabbits and 149 µm in horses. No effect was detected in the epithelium-on procedure. CONCLUSIONS: CXL penetration depth, as determined by a novel ex vivo fluorescent assay, shows clear differences between species. A distinct effect was observed following epithelium-off CXL treatment in the anterior stroma of rabbits, but no different effect was observed in horses in comparison with nontreated controls. Different protocols need to be established to effectively treat equine patients with infectious corneal disease.

Dacryocystitis following a nasolacrimal duct obstruction caused by an ectopic intranasal tooth in a dog.

PURPOSE: To describe a nasolacrimal duct (NLD) obstruction secondary to an ectopic tooth in a 5-year-old male Border collie. The dog was presented with a 1-month history of mucopurulent discharge from the left eye (OS) preceded by a lifelong history of epiphora OS. Treatment with neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic solution had not improved the clinical signs, and the NLD was not patent when irrigated by the referring veterinarian. METHODS: A complete ophthalmologic examination was performed followed by dacryocystorhinography and computed tomography (CT). RESULTS: The ophthalmologic examination revealed marked mucopurulent discharge, mild conjunctivitis, slightly elevated STT measurements, and a negative Jones test OS. Both nasolacrimal puncta OS could be cannulated without resistance for approximately 1.5 cm. Upon irrigation, copious amounts of mucopurulent discharge were exited through the corresponding punctum, while no fluid could be detected at the nares. Dacryocystorhinography was performed. Radiographs revealed an ectopic left canine tooth within the left nasal cavity. A cystic dilation of the NLD was observed proximal to the ectopic tooth. Computed tomography was performed to determine the exact position of the tooth and possible involvement of adjacent structures; CT confirmed the previous imaging findings. Treatment with systemic antibiotics, NSAIDs, and ofloxacin ophthalmic solution led to resolution of the clinical signs within several days. Surgery was declined by the owner. CONCLUSION: This is the first case report describing a blocked NLD due to an ectopic tooth in a dog. Ectopic teeth should be included as a differential diagnosis in cases of dacryocystitis and chronic epiphora in dogs.

Treatment of bullous keratopathy with corneal collagen cross-linking in two dogs.

OBJECTIVE: Corneal collagen cross-linking with riboflavin and UV-A (CXL) decreases corneal oedema and increases visual acuity in human patients with bullous keratopathy. Presumed mechanisms are an increase in collagen packing density and a reduction in stromal swelling pressure. We present two cases in which CXL was used to treat bullous keratopathy in dogs. PROCEDURES: Four eyes of two dogs with painful bullous keratopathy-induced corneal erosions that were resistant to prior therapy were treated with CXL. Both corneas of the second patient were dehydrated to ± 400 µm corneal thickness using topical 70% glycerol solution immediately prior to CXL. Follow-up included slit-lamp examination, fluorescein staining and photographic documentation in both cases and high-resolution ultrasound examination in the second patient. RESULTS: All four eyes were comfortable and fluorescein negative at 1-week post-CXL and remained so for the rest of the follow-up period (17.5 months for case 1 and 6 months for case 2). The owner of the first patient reported a less oedematous cornea and improvement in vision that lasted for 6 months. Despite a reported lack of improvement in vision in the second patient, corneal thickness initially decreased, but was back at baseline thickness at the 4-month recheck. CONCLUSIONS: Similar to humans, CXL might become a useful treatment option for bullous keratopathy-induced therapy-resistant corneal erosions in dogs. Patient comfort was greatly improved, but corneal thickness decrease was not as long-lasting as reported for humans. The presently used protocols might need modification to fit the dog cornea.

Progression of pectinate ligament dysplasia over time in two populations of Flat-Coated Retrievers.

OBJECTIVE: Two of the authors (DG, BS) independently observed that a number of Flat-Coated Retrievers (FCRs) previously unaffected by pectinate ligament dysplasia (PLD) appeared to develop the condition later in life. This study was instigated to investigate progression of PLD within individual dogs over time. ANIMALS STUDIED: Flat-Coated Retrievers that had previously undergone gonioscopy under the UK/ECVO hereditary eye schemes were included in the study. PROCEDURE: A second gonioscopic examination was performed 1.92-12.58 years later (mean 6, median 5.75 years) and the results compared. 39 FCR (17 males, 22 females) in the UK and 57 FCR (27 males, 30 females) in Switzerland were included. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, and gonioscopy were performed in all dogs. Gonioscopy allowed classification as either unaffected or affected; percentage of the iridocorneal drainage angle (ICA) affected by PLD was determined, before calculating progression observed as mild, moderate, or severe. RESULTS: 39 of 96 (40.6%) dogs demonstrated progression of PLD (P < 0.0001). Of these, 13 of 96 (13.5%) were classified as mild progression (from either unaffected to 10-20% or 10-20% to 20-90% ICA affected). Progression was more extensive in 26 of 96 (27.1%) dogs (P < 0.0001), of which 12 of 96 (12.5%) went from unaffected to severe PLD of >90% ICA affected, consistent with a high risk of glaucoma. CONCLUSIONS: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report describing progression of PLD in individual dogs over time, in a breed affected by primary, angle closure glaucoma.

Influence of non ionizing radiation of base stations on the activity of redox proteins in bovines.

BACKGROUND: The influence of electromagnetic fields on the health of humans and animals is still an intensively discussed and scientifically investigated issue (Prakt Tierarzt 11:15-20, 2003; Umwelt Medizin Gesellschaft 17:326-332, 2004; J Toxicol Environment Health, Part B 12:572-597, 2009). We are surrounded by numerous electromagnetic fields of variable strength, coming from electronic equipment and its power cords, from high-voltage power lines and from antennas for radio, television and mobile communication. Particularly the latter cause's controversy, as everyone likes to have good mobile reception at anytime and anywhere, whereas nobody wants to have such a basestation antenna in their proximity. RESULTS: In this experiment, the NIR has resulted in changes in the enzyme activities. Certain enzymes were disabled, others enabled by NIR. Furthermore, individual behavior patterns were observed. While certain cows reacted to NIR, others did not react at all, or even inversely. CONCLUSION: The present results coincide with the information from the literature, according to which NIR leads to changes in redox proteins, and that there are individuals who are sensitive to radiation and others that are not. However, the latter could not be distinctly attributed - there are cows that react clearly with one enzyme while they do not react with another enzyme at all, or even the inverse. The study approach of testing ten cows each ten times during three phases has proven to be appropriate. Future studies should however set the post-exposure phase later on.

Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) for the treatment of melting keratitis in cats and dogs: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: UV-A/riboflavin cross-linking (CXL) of corneal collagen fibers is an established, highly promising therapy for corneal melting in physician-based ophthalmology. A prospective pilot study was conducted to demonstrate proof of principle of this novel method for the treatment of melting corneal ulcers in dogs and cats. PROCEDURES: After obtaining owner consent, CXL was performed in three cats and three dogs with corneal melting, which either affected the entire corneal surface or was resistant to conventional antibiotic and anticollagenolytic therapy, and affected parts or all of the corneal surface. Medical therapy was continued in all patients. The available follow-up ranged from 2 to 22.5 months and involved slit-lamp examination, fluorescein staining, and photographic documentation during all rechecks. RESULTS: Surgical stabilization of the cornea was not necessary in any case, because progression of corneal melting was arrested in all cases within 1-20 days of CXL treatment. Corneal re-epithelization occurred within 7-40 days in all eyes. At 40 days after CXL, all eyes presented a quiescent corneal state without signs of active inflammation and with beginning scar formation. The complications observed in three of the six animals included a corneal sequestrum, superficial corneal stromal pigmentation, and bullous keratopathy. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the feasibility of CXL to treat progressive corneal melting in veterinary patients. CXL may represent a cost-efficient and safe alternative therapy in the treatment for corneal melting in veterinary ophthalmology. More investigations comparing the effectivity and complication rate of CXL to those of standard medical treatment are necessary.

Corneal collagen cross-linking as treatment for infectious and noninfectious corneal melting in cats and dogs: results of a prospective, nonrandomized, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: UV-A/Riboflavin cross-linking of corneal collagen fibers (CXL) is a highly promising therapy for corneal melting in humans. A prospective interventional, nonrandomized, controlled study was conducted to compare the stabilizing effect of CXL treatment on melting keratitis in dogs and cats and the complication rate of CXL to those of standardized intensive medical treatment. PROCEDURES: Forty-nine eyes with melting keratitis were included in the study between October 2009 and October 2012. All eyes were treated according to the same medical treatment protocol. Nineteen eyes were CXL-treated, and 30 eyes were not. Follow-up included slit-lamp examination, fluorescein staining, ulcer size measurement, stromal stability evaluation, photographic documentation, and documentation of complications. RESULTS: Five of 19 eyes in the CXL group and 9/30 eyes in the control group required rescue stabilization due to continued melting. Seven of the nine control group corneas stabilized after rescue CXL treatment. At initial presentation, the ulcers in the canine CXL group were significantly deeper and larger than in the control group. Ulcer deepening during follow-up was more pronounced in the canine control group than in the canine CXL group. CXL treatment-related complications were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the similar failure rates in the control and CXL treatment groups despite the poorer initial situation in the CXL group, the tendency for the ulcers in the control group to deepen and the stabilization of all corneas receiving CXL rescue treatment, we believe that CXL has its place as an adjunctive therapy for melting keratitis in veterinary ophthalmology.

Evaluation of the conjunctival fungal flora and its susceptibility to antifungal agents in healthy horses in Switzerland.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the conjunctival fungal flora and to determine the susceptibility of 2 isolated molds to antifungal drugs in samples of 64 healthy horses from The National Stud in Switzerland. PROCEDURE: Conjunctival cytobrush samples were collected from both eyes of 64 ophthalmologically normal horses in August 2012 and subsequently cultured on Sabouraud's agar medium. Growing fungi were identified and counted. Etests or broth microdilution tests for Aspergillus fumigatus and Eurotium amstelodami were carried out to determine antifungal drug sensitivity. These species had previously been detected in samples from eyes with keratomycosis in Switzerland. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for voriconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, amphotericin B, and miconazole were recorded. RESULTS: Fifty-nine of the horses were tested positive for fungal growth from at least one eye (92%). Eleven genera of fungi were identified. The most common fungal genera were Alternaria, Eurotium, Rhizopus, and Cladosporium. Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium spp. were isolated frequently, while no Fusarium spp. was found. In only 2 cases, yeasts were identified as Candida guilliermondii. For certain fungal species, the type of bedding and housing appeared to influence their prevalence. Susceptibility testing of A. fumigatus showed lowest MICs for voriconazole, E. amstelodami for voriconazole and itraconazole. High MICs for fluconazole were detected for all tested fungi while MICs for amphotericin B and miconazole were variable. CONCLUSIONS: A large range of fungal mold species was identified including A. fumigatus and E. amstelodami, which have been causative agents of keratomycosis in Switzerland. Best in vitro susceptibility results for these two species were obtained for voriconazole.

Comparison of ultrasonography and histologic examination for identification of ocular diseases of animals: 113 cases (2000-2010).

OBJECTIVE: To compare ultrasonographic and histologic examination findings for eyes of animals with ocular diseases. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 116 eyes of 113 animals examined at 2 facilities. PROCEDURES: Diseased eyes of animals were examined by means of ultrasonography, removed via enucleation or exenteration, then histologically examined. Ultrasonographic images and histopathologic slides were evaluated, and diseases of eyes were identified with each of those methods and allocated to various categories. For each disease category, agreement between results of ultrasonography and those of histologic examination was assessed via determination of κ statistic values. RESULTS: Tests had good agreement for identification of iris or ciliary body neoplasia. Overall, intraocular neoplasia was not detected via ultrasonography for only 2 of 31 eyes with histologically detected neoplasia. Hemorrhagic or inflammatory changes were misinterpreted as neoplasia for 8 of 37 (22%) eyes. Tests had moderate to acceptable agreement for identification of retinal detachment. Retinal detachment was not detected by means of ultrasonography for 14 of 38 (37%) eyes with that diagnosis determined via histologic examination at one of the facilities (primarily in eyes with intraocular hemorrhage); however, retinal detachment was not identified via histologic examination for 6 of 38 (16%) eyes with that diagnosis determined via ultrasonography at the other facility. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Agreement between tests evaluated in this study was clinically satisfactory for identification of intraocular neoplasia. Typically, diseases were misdiagnosed via ultrasonography for eyes with poor image contrast. Because determination of ultrasonographic diagnoses of retinal detachment and intraocular neoplasm may be of prognostic importance, performance of additional ultrasonographic techniques may be indicated.

Ulcerative fungal keratitis in a Brown Swiss cow.

An 11-year-old Brown Swiss cow was referred to the Farm Animal Department of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Zurich, Switzerland, because of lateral recumbency due to puerperal hemolytic anemia. The animal had developed enophthalmos due to dehydration at the time of presentation. Two days after hospitalization, the cow showed blepharospasm and epiphora of the right eye. Ophthalmic examination of the right eye revealed a fluorescein-positive, paraxial, superficial corneal ulcer with focal edema, and mild superficial neovascularization. White corneal stromal infiltrates were seen at the edges of the ulcer bed. After initial topical treatment with an antibiotic ointment (Neomycin 3.5 mg/g, Bacitracin 250 IU/g) three times a day, an increase in corneal infiltrates was noted on re-examination 2 days later. Several fluorescein-negative, punctate, stromal, white opacities were seen dorsal to the ulcer. Cytology demonstrated the presence of fungal hyphae. Topical treatment with 2% miconazole ointment and 0.36% K-EDTA eye drops six times daily and four times daily, respectively, from the second day and continued antibiotics three times daily resolved the clinical symptoms within 6 days. Fungal culture identified the fungal organism as Eurotium amstelodami.

Ocular manifestations of a metastatic adenocarcinoma in a horse.

A 10-year-old German Warmblood gelding was referred to the Equine Department of the Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland, for an iris mass OD, lethargy, intermittent fever, and coughing. Ophthalmic examination revealed a 7 × 9 mm raised, fleshy, whitish to pinkish, vascularized iris mass at the 2 o`clock position OD. Fundic examination showed multifocal round, brown to black, slightly raised lesions with indistinct margins and a surrounding hyperreflective zone OU. Physical examination revealed a temperature of 39.2 °C, sinus tachycardia, preputial and ventral edema, and an enlarged right mandibular lymph node. Results of a complete blood count and plasma biochemical profile showed mild anemia, leukocytosis, and thrombocytopenia. Severe splenopathy, moderate splenomegaly, and severe pulmonary pathology with nodules and large areas of consolidated lung parenchyma were observed on abdominal ultrasound and thoracic radiographs, respectively. Fine needle aspirates of the enlarged mandibular lymph node showed malignant epithelial neoplastic cells. The horse was euthanized because of the poor prognosis and subsequently underwent postmortem examination. Macroscopic necropsy and histopathology revealed an adenocarcinoma of suspected pulmonary origin with involvement of eyes, heart, liver, kidneys, spleen, diaphragm, skeletal muscles, mandibular, pulmonary, and internal iliac lymph nodes. Metastatic adenocarcinoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis in horses with iris masses, multifocal chorioretinal infiltrates, and clinical signs that conform to a paraneoplastic syndrome.

Canine neurogenic Keratoconjunctivitis sicca: 11 cases (2006-2010).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical data of dogs with neurogenic Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and an ipsilateral dry nose without other neurologic deficits. PROCEDURE: The retrospective case study included 11 dogs diagnosed with neurogenic KCS and an ipsilateral dry nose between 2006 and 2010. Medical records were reviewed for breed, age, sex, history, suspected cause of neurogenic KCS, clinical signs, and treatment modalities. Follow-up information was obtained by re-examination of patients or completion of a telephone survey with the referring veterinarian or the owners. RESULTS: Mean age of the dogs was 6.6 ± 4.5 years. Neurogenic KCS was diagnosed in three females, five spayed females, one male, and two castrated males representing 10 different breeds. Ophthalmic signs of KCS (mean Schirmer tear test [STT] value of 1.9 ± 2.9 mm/min) combined with an ipsilateral dry nose were diagnosed in seven left and four right eyes. The suspected cause of neurogenic KCS was idiopathic in nine and trauma in two cases. Systemic therapy consisted of oral pilocarpine 1-2% eye drops combined with case-specific topical treatment with cyclosporine 0.2% and tear substitutes. Duration of systemic treatment with pilocarpine until healing was 125 days (range 84-204, median 98 days) for five dogs. One dog was lost to follow-up, and the remaining five dogs are still under systemic treatment with pilocarpine. CONCLUSIONS: Neurogenic KCS with an ipsilateral dry nose seems to be a predominantly idiopathic disease of middle-aged female dogs without breed predisposition, which may be self-limiting in some cases.

Clinical ocular findings in cows with malignant catarrhal fever: ocular disease progression and outcome in 25 cases (2007-2010).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the ocular clinical signs in a group of cows diagnosed with sheep associated malignant catarrhal fever (MCF), and to investigate a possible correlation between the severity and progression of certain typical clinical signs and disease outcome. PROCEDURE: This prospective study involved cows diagnosed with MCF between 2007 and 2010, and included cows enrolled in a larger clinical trial. Signalment of affected cows, presence and progression of ocular lesions, as well as disease outcome were recorded. Cows were divided into two groups based on the disease outcome: (1) survival and (2) nonsurvival. The degree of corneal edema at first examination was statistically compared between groups. The progression of corneal edema, uveitis and the examining ophthalmologists' subjective assessment of disease progression between the first and last examination were also compared between groups. RESULTS: Twenty-five cows (22 F, 3 M) of six different breeds and one mixed breed were included. Median age was 21 months (range 8-113). Ten cows survived, 13 cows were euthanized, and two died. No statistical association was identified between the degree of corneal edema at the first examination and the disease outcome. Deterioration of corneal edema was not noticed in any of the surviving animals. Anterior uveitis improved in all 10 surviving cows. CONCLUSIONS: The degree of corneal edema at first examination had no prognostic value for the disease outcome. The results of this study suggest that the progression of corneal edema correlates well with disease outcome, and that nonimprovement of uveitis is a bad prognostic sign.