Clinical behavior of intraocular teratoid medulloepithelioma in two-related Quarter Horses

The objective of this paper is to describe clinical behavior, histopathologic features, and immunohistochemical staining of two-related horses with intraocular teratoid medulloepithelioma. Two-related Quarter Horses with similar intraocular masses presented to the UF-CVM Comparative Ophthalmology Service for evaluation and treatment. The first horse, a 3-year-old gelding, had glaucoma and a cyst-like mass in the anterior chamber. Enucleation was performed. Histopathology revealed a teratoid medulloepithelioma. The tumor was considered to be completely excised. Fifteen months later, the gelding presented with swelling of the enucleated orbit and local lymph nodes with deformation of the skull. Cytology revealed neuroectodermal neoplastic cells. Necropsy confirmed tumor metastasis. Six weeks later, a 9-year-old mare, a full sibling to the gelding, presented for examination. An infiltrative mass of the iris and ciliary body was found that extended into the anterior, posterior, and vitreal chambers. Uveitis was present, but secondary glaucoma was not noted. Enucleation was performed and the histopathologic diagnosis was also teratoid medulloepithelioma. The mare has had no recurrence to date, 2 years following enucleation. Metastasis of intraocular teratoid medulloepithelioma is possible. Staging is recommended in cases where the diagnosis of teratoid medulloepithelioma is confirmed. Surveillance of full siblings is recommended until more information regarding etiology is known.