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Histopathologic features of canine distichiasis
Isabelle Raymond-Letron1, Nathalie Bourges-Abella, Tiphaine Rousseau
1Department of Clinical Sciences, National Veterinary School, 23 chemin des Capelles BP 87614, 31076 Toulouse Cedex 3, France.
Veterinary Ophthalmology
|November 5, 2011
Summary
Canine distichiasis involves abnormal hair follicles in the eyelid tarsus, not tarsal gland changes. These ectopic follicles lead to aberrant cilia, suggesting a developmental anomaly in canine eyelid morphogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Ophthalmology
- Canine Histopathology
Background:
- Canine distichiasis is a common condition causing irritation due to aberrant eyelashes.
- The origin and histologic basis of distichiatic cilia require further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To histologically characterize canine distichiasis using excised tarsoconjunctival specimens.
- To investigate the relationship between distichiatic cilia, their follicles, and tarsal glands.
Main Methods:
- Histologic examination of 21 tarsoconjunctival specimens from dogs with distichiasis.
- Comparison with 11 control specimens from healthy dogs.
- Serial sectioning and H&E staining to analyze follicle and tarsal gland morphology.
Main Results:
- Ectopic hair follicles associated with distichiatic cilia were identified in 19/20 affected dogs.
- These follicles showed hair bulbs near tarsal glands and shafts within sebaceous ducts.
- No significant histologic differences were observed in tarsal glands between affected and control dogs.
Conclusions:
- Adventitious cilia in canine distichiasis originate from ectopic hair follicles within the tarsus.
- Histologic changes in tarsal glands are not associated with distichiasis.
- The condition likely results from abnormal hair follicle morphogenesis in the tarsal plate.
