[Sonographic diagnosis (B-mode techniques) for the eyes of horses. 2. Pathological cases]

Diagnosis of diseases of the inner eye of horses is problematic, especially in cases where ophthalmoscopic examination is impaired or prevented by cloudiness of the optical apparatus. In addition, examination of retrobulbar affection normally only allows indirect conclusions on localization and extent of alteration. By the use of ultrasound on diseased horse eyes a detailed examination of the inner eye with retrobulbar structures is possible even in these cases. Here, we present several clinical pictures which are difficult or impossible to diagnose by ophthalmoscopical means. For example, sonographic pictures of alterations of the cornea, the anterior chamber of the eye, the lens, and the vitreous body as well as diseases of the retina will be presented. In addition, information about the degree of injury, location of inner structures of the eye, and the extent of possible bleeding can be obtained. Sonographical examination of horse eyes therefore yields important additional information for exact localization, prognosis and therapy of a disease especially in cases where direct ophthalmologic examination is impossible. By means of documented ultrasonic pictures and derived data the clinical picture can be better evaluated and the success of therapy can be followed more closely.