Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association · 1997 · 34 citations · 0 references
Veterinary MedicineOphthalmologyVeterinary OphthalmologyEquine MedicineEquine SurgeryOphthalmic SurgeryBiomedical Laser ApplicationsLaser SurgeryErbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet Laser SurgeryHead ShakingLong-term ComplicationsLong-term Disease ComplicationsNd:yag Laser SurgeryNd:yag Laser TreatmentRetrospective Case StudyVisual Impairment Assessment
OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical features of cystic granula iridica in horses and outcome of horses treated with an ophthalmic neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 8 horses. PROCEDURE: An ophthalmic Nd:YAG laser was used to deflate cysts in all horses. RESULTS: Horses were examined because of visual impairment (n = 5), decreased jumping performance (2), or head shaking (1). Clinical signs associated with cysts resolved in all horses after treatment. Short- and long-term complications did not develop, and cysts did not recur. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Cystic granula iridica may cause vision impairment in horses. Treatment with an ophthalmic Nd:YAG laser appears to be safe and effective.