Equine intraocular melanocytic neoplasia

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Ophthalmology
• Equine Neoplasia
• Dermatology

Background:

• Equine intraocular melanocytic neoplasia is a significant concern in adult horses.
• Previous reports may underestimate the prevalence of these tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the clinical presentation, histopathology, and treatment strategies for equine intraocular melanocytic neoplasia.
• To assess the association between intraocular tumors and cutaneous melanoma, coat color, and breed.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of medical records for 55 horses.
• Inclusion of signalment, ocular and physical examination findings, treatments, and outcomes.
• Histopathologic evaluation of enucleated globes.
• Statistical analysis using Student's t-test to compare outcomes between treatment groups.

Main Results:

• Arabian horses and gray coat color were most common (27% and 85%, respectively).
• Cutaneous melanoma was present in 67% of horses examined.
• No significant difference in outcome interval between monitored and treated horses (P = 0.312).

Conclusions:

• Equine intraocular melanocytic neoplasms are strongly associated with cutaneous melanoma and gray coloration.
• These neoplasms appear more prevalent than previously documented.
• Ophthalmic examination is crucial for horses with cutaneous melanoma; further research on treatment is needed.