Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Blindness, optic atrophy and sinusitis in the horse.
- Journal:
- Veterinary ophthalmology
- Year:
- 2008
- Authors:
- Barnett, K C et al.
- Affiliation:
- Center for Small Animal Studies · United Kingdom
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
In this study, three horses of different ages and types were found to have vision problems, ranging from complete blindness to temporary visual issues, all linked to a history of upper respiratory infections. A veterinary eye specialist examined them, and advanced imaging tests like MRI were conducted. The investigation revealed that the horses had infections in their spheno-palatine sinuses, which were pressing on the optic nerves and affecting their vision. The findings highlighted that while eye exams were not very helpful, MRI scans were crucial for diagnosing the problem and guiding treatment. Overall, the treatment's effectiveness was not detailed, but the study suggests that proper imaging is essential for addressing these types of cases.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The case histories described each presented with a visual deficit, varying from permanent total blindness with ophthalmoscopic evidence of optic atrophy to variable and transient visual disturbances, including occasional blindness, but with absence of ophthalmoscopic or any other ocular abnormality. ANIMALS STUDIED: Three horses of widely different age and type, but all with an original history of upper respiratory tract infection. PROCEDURE: All three cases were examined by a specialist veterinary ophthalmologist. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and, where possible, postmortem and histopathological examinations were performed. RESULTS: The common factor to all three cases proved to be infection of the spheno-palatine sinuses with subsequent distension and compression of adjacent optic nerve(s) and optic chiasm. CONCLUSIONS: Specialist veterinary ophthalmological examination proved of extremely limited value. The importance of MRI (and CT) scans for accurate diagnosis, and therefore possible successful treatment, is emphasized. Our cases were compared with similar cases in man, where visual disturbances due to spheno-palatine sinus involvement are recognized, but rare, in similar situation.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19046266/