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Acquired bilateral cortical cataracts in mature sows
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|October 1, 1978
Summary
Bilateral cortical cataracts affected about 30% of older sows in Ontario and Quebec. The exact cause is unknown, but the antibiotic hygromycin B is suspected.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Ophthalmology
- Animal Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Cataracts are a significant cause of vision impairment in animals.
- Age-related cataracts are common in various species.
- Understanding potential environmental or iatrogenic causes is crucial for herd health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of bilateral cortical cataracts in sows.
- To identify potential risk factors or causative agents associated with cataract development.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological survey conducted on multiple swine farms in Ontario and Quebec.
- Data collection focused on sows aged 2.5 years and older.
- Clinical examination for cataract presence and characteristics.
Main Results:
- Approximately 30% of sows aged 2.5 years or older presented with bilateral cortical cataracts.
- Cataract prevalence was observed across farms in both southwestern Ontario and Quebec.
- No definitive cataractogenic agent was identified during the study.
Conclusions:
- Bilateral cortical cataracts represent a notable health issue in older sows in the studied regions.
- Hygromycin B, an antibiotic, is a suspected, though unconfirmed, causative agent.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the etiology of these cataracts and confirm the role of hygromycin B.