Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Evaluation of zones of iris hypoplasia in horses and ponies.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1992
- Authors:
- Buyukmihci, N C et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Surgery · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
In a study involving 15 horses and ponies of different ages and breeds, researchers looked at unusual growths on the iris, which is the colored part of the eye. They noticed that these growths were most commonly found in horses with blue eyes, specifically at the top part of the iris. The growths changed shape when the pupils got bigger or smaller, leading the researchers to believe they were areas of iris hypoplasia (underdeveloped iris). A closer examination of one of the samples confirmed this idea, and importantly, these growths did not seem to be linked to any other eye problems or health issues in the animals. Overall, the findings suggest that these iris lesions are a specific condition without broader health concerns.
Abstract
Mass-like lesions of the iris were evaluated in 15 horses or ponies of various ages and breeds. Breed or gender predilection was not found. These lesions were most often found in blue irides at the 12 o'clock region. Because the lesions transilluminated and changed shape rapidly with changes in pupillary size, they were hypothesized to be zones of iris hypoplasia. Histologic evaluation of one specimen supported this interpretation. The lesions were not associated with any other ocular or systemic abnormality.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1577645/