Final Exam - Equine Conjunctiva & Cornea Flashcards
why do you need to pay attention to the eyelash angle in horses?
changes in angle can indicate blepharospasm
why are periocular nerve blocks needed for ophthalmic exams in horses?
needed due to the strength of the eyelids, pain control, accurate diagnostics, sterile sample collection, etc
horses will hurt themselves if you skip this
how are horse eyelids opened?
index finger engages the supraciliary sulcus
what two nerve blocks are done in the horse prior to an ophthalmic exam? what do they block?
auriculopalpebral block - blocks motor
supraorbital block - blocks sensory of the upper eyelid
what nerve block is shown in this photo?
auriculopalpebral
what nerve block is shown in this photo?
supraorbital
where is the schirmer tear test strip placed in the horse eye?
placed in the lower lateral eyelid
what is the minimum database for equine ophthalmic exams?
schirmer tear test - uncommon in horses, needs to be > 15 mm/min, of basal & reflex tearing
fluorescein stain - to check for corneal ulceration, nasolacrimal patency, & corneal perforation
what are the 5 components of corneal anatomy?
- tear film
- epithelium
- stroma
- descemete’s membrane
- endothelium
what is the most sensitive structure in the horse’s body? why?
cornea
has the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve - greater nerve density antervior vs posterior
what are the 3 main anatomic regions of the conjunctiva?
palpebral conjunctiva - lines superior & inferior eyelids
bulbar conjunctiva - covers the anterior aspect of the globe to the limbus
fornix conjunctiva - junction of the palpebral & bulbar conjunctiva
what is the conjunctiva?
non-keratinized stratified columnar cells continuous with the corneal epithelium
covers the anterior & posterior aspect of the 3rd eyelid
what is the purpose of setting up a sub-palpebral lavage system?
allows for safe drug administration comfort, & less medication waste
after the placement of a SPL, what should be done?
protective masks should always be worn after placement to prevent damage or rubbing to the system!!!
what congenital lesion is shown in this photo? what is the treatment of choice?
dermoid (choristomas) - non-progressive lesion that consists of epithelial & dermis-like components found in an abnormal location that most frequently arise from the limbus
complete surgical excision done either standing or under general anesthesia that usally heals by 2nd intention as the lesions are generally superficial
what do you need to do for a definitive diagnosis of a dermoid in a horse?
need to submit it for histopathology
what horses are generally affected by the congenital condition of megalocornea & cornea globosa?
rocky mountain horses, kentucky mountain horses, mountain pleasure horses, morgans, belgians, american mini horses, & icelandic horses
what is the coat color association of horses & megalocornea/cornea globosa?
chocolate colored coats with white manes & tails
genetic mutation PMEL17 - gene responsible for silver coloration
what condition is shown in this photo? what clinical signs are seen? when do we see it most often?
eosinophilic conjunctivitis
white raised plaques on the cornea/conjunctiva, blepharospasm, & mucoid discharge
summer months
how is a horse diagnosed with eosinophilic conjunctivitis?
eosinophils & rare basophils seen on cytology
how do you treat a horse with eosinophilic conjunctivitis?
oral steroids, oral antihistamines, & topical antibiotics
topical steroids aren’t recommended
topical immunomodulators & antihistamines are acceptable but not the best
what follow up needs to occur for a horse with eosinophilic conjunctivitis?
recheck in 2 weeks & then follow up monthly - 33% of horses reoccur!
takes 2.5 months for them to heal
what causes KCS in horses? is it common?
associated with loss of parasympathetic nerve supply to the lacrimal tissue through the facial nerve
uncommon - deficiency in tear film
what clinical signs are seen in horses with KCS?
mucopurulent discharge, corneal neovascularization, dry corneal surface, & possible facial nerve paralysis
how is KCS diagnosed in horses?
STT < 10mm/min
radiographs/CT/endoscopy
how is KCS treated in horses?
topical tear stimulant (cyclosporine or tacrolimus), topical tear replacement, & topical abx for corneal ulcers
what surgical options are available for treating a horse with KCS?
can do a partial tarsorrhapy if facial nerve paralysis is present - helps manage dryness
cyclosporine implants
parotid duct transposition
what follow up is indicated for a horse with KCS? what is the prognosis?
2-4 week recheck
guarded prognosis due to lifelong therapy needs