Related Experiment Videos
Immune-mediated keratitis in horses: 19 cases (1998-2004).
Brian C Gilger1, Tammy Miller Michau, Jacklyn H Salmon
1Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA. brian_gilger@ncsu.edu
Veterinary Ophthalmology
|July 13, 2005
Summary
This study on equine immune-mediated keratitis (IMMK) found superficial lesions respond best to surgery, while midstromal cases improve with cyclosporine. Endothelial IMMK is challenging to treat.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Ophthalmology
- Equine Internal Medicine
Background:
- Immune-mediated keratitis (IMMK) is a significant cause of corneal disease in horses.
- Understanding clinical presentations and treatment outcomes is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe clinical and histologic findings of IMMK in horses.
- To evaluate treatment strategies and outcomes for equine IMMK.
- To categorize IMMK based on lesion depth and severity.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 19 horses diagnosed with IMMK between 1998 and 2004.
- Data collected included signalment, clinical signs, diagnostics, therapy, and long-term vision.
- Horses were categorized into superficial stromal, midstromal, or endothelial keratitis groups.
Main Results:
- Nineteen horses (22 eyes) were diagnosed with IMMK, classified into superficial (n=11), midstromal (n=6), and endothelial (n=5) groups.
- Mean age was 11.9 years, with a mean disease duration of 11.8 months prior to referral.
- Superficial keratitis showed stromal infiltrate and vascularization; midstromal keratitis had infiltrate, edema, and vascularization; endothelial keratitis presented with edema.
Conclusions:
- Superficial IMMK responded well to medical therapy, with surgical removal yielding the best results.
- Midstromal keratitis cases showed positive response to topical cyclosporine.
- Endothelial IMMK proved least responsive to available therapies.