Histopathologic changes associated with Meibomian Gland dropout in a dog.

PURPOSE

To perform histopathologic analysis of tissue manifesting meibomian gland dropout on noncontact infrared meibography in a dog.

METHODS

A 14-year-old intact male Cairn terrier was evaluated at Triangle Animal Eye Clinic for dense corneal opacity of the right eye. A complete ocular examination was performed, including slit-lamp biomicroscopy, tonometry, and noncontact meibography. Pigmentary glaucoma with elevation of intraocular pressure was diagnosed, and meibography revealed morphological changes suggestive of gland dropout in the middle of the upper right eyelid.

RESULTS

The globe was enucleated by the transpalpebral method, and palpebral tissue was subjected to histopathologic analysis. The analysis revealed an almost complete loss of meibomian gland structure accompanied by slight enlargement and proliferation of fibroblasts as well as by infiltration of plasma cells and lymphocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

Meibomian gland dropout as detected by meibography can be associated with chronic inflammation.