Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Microphthalmia with multiple ocular abnormalities in a foal.
- Journal:
- Veterinary ophthalmology
- Year:
- 2025
- Authors:
- Cho, Peter W et al.
- Affiliation:
- Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 12-hour-old filly, which is a cross between a Friesian and an American Paint Horse, was brought in because she was blind and had very small eyes (a condition called microphthalmia) along with noticeable eye misalignment. A thorough eye exam and imaging tests were done, revealing that her eyes lacked normal structures, including the lens, and had abnormal tissue growth. The findings also showed that her retinas were poorly developed and had some areas that were detached. This case highlights a rare birth defect in foals that affects their eyes, and unfortunately, the condition is quite severe and likely impacts her vision permanently.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this report was to provide a clinical description and clinical, ultrasonographic, and histologic images of a foal with microphthalmia and multiple ocular abnormalities. ANIMALS STUDIED: A 12-h old Friesian-American Paint Horse crossbred filly presented for blindness, microphthalmia and marked ventral strabismus in both eyes. PROCEDURE: A complete ophthalmic examination was performed. Ultrasound biomicroscopy and B-mode ultrasonography were performed. The globes were submitted for histopathology. RESULTS: Ultrasound biomicroscopy demonstrated a hyperechoic cornea void of the typical epithelium, stroma, and Descemet's membrane layers. The anterior chamber was spanned by thick strands of hyperechoic tissue extending from the iris to the cornea. The lens was not visualized. B-mode ultrasound showed aphakia and mild, mottled echogenicity within the vitreous with no evidence of retinal detachment. On histopathology, both globes were microphthalmic with poorly defined corneal tissue. The anterior chambers were poorly formed and contained lacrimal glandular tissue. Portions of iridal tissue were present, but no lenses were noted. The retinas were segmentally detached and markedly atrophied with areas of retina dysplasia noted. CONCLUSIONS: This report provides a clinical, ultrasonographic and histologic description of a rare, congenital condition in a foal characterized by microphthalmia, aphakia, poorly defined corneal tissue, choristomatous differentiation of the anterior segment and retinal dysplasia.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39013804/