Ocular lesions in horses with lymphosarcoma: 21 cases (1977-1997).

OBJECTIVE

To determine the most common ocular lesions in horses with lymphosarcoma.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

ANIMALS

79 horses histologically confirmed to have lymphosarcoma.

PROCEDURE

Ophthalmic examinations were performed by a single individual.

RESULTS

21 of 79 horses had lesions involving the eye or ocular adnexa. Infiltration of the palpebral conjunctiva and eyelids was the most common lesion (n = 11). Other lesions included uveitis (n = 4), corneoscleral masses (2), third eyelid masses (2), and diffuse retrobulbar infiltrates (2).

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

In horses with lymphosarcoma, ocular lesions may precede or be more obvious than lymph node enlargement or signs of visceral involvement. Early recognition of ocular lesions suggestive of lymphosarcoma may allow a more rapid diagnosis of lymphosarcoma in horses.