Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ischemic optic neuropathy and blindness after arterial occlusion for treatment of guttural pouch mycosis in two horses.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1990
- Authors:
- Hardy, J et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Two horses developed sudden blindness in one eye after a surgery to block certain blood vessels as part of their treatment for a fungal infection in the guttural pouch, which is a part of their throat. This blindness happened quickly and is thought to be due to damage to the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. While blocking these blood vessels is a common treatment for this condition, it can lead to serious complications like vision loss if not done carefully. In this case, the treatment was effective for the guttural pouch mycosis, but it resulted in blindness for both horses.
Abstract
Ischemic optic neuropathy accompanied by blindness was induced in 2 horses after surgical occlusion of the external and internal carotid and greater palatine arteries, performed as part of the management of guttural pouch mycosis. The blindness was acute and unilateral and may have been caused by ischemic retinal damage. Vascular occlusion is a recommended procedure for treatment of guttural pouch mycosis. Retinal damage and blindness are a possible complication if all possible sources of hemorrhage are occluded.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2347757/