Equine special edition of veterinary ophthalmology

Abstract

It has been just over three years since my textbook Equine Ophthalmology was published. In the preface to this textbook, I mentioned that the field of equine ophthalmology lagged behind in science compared to that in other species. I was also concerned that clinicians practicing equine ophthalmology did not frequently use specific equine evidence-based information, but instead extensively ‘borrowed’ knowledge from ophthalmology of dog, cats, and humans. In fact, I challenged veterinary ophthalmologists to do research and report their findings on equine ophthalmology so that we will advance this discipline. This equine special edition of Veterinary Ophthalmology demonstrates that we are meeting this challenge. However, much more work is needed regarding characterization of specific equine diseases and the development of effective, safe, and practical treatments. I have asked preeminent veterinary immunologists, Drs Connie Deeg and Andy Matthew, to review the immuno-pathogenesis on two of the most common and vision threatening diseases in horses: equine recurrent uveitis and keratitis. Dr Connie Deeg, from Munich, has reviewed her research and theories on the pathogenesis of equine recurrent uveitis. Andy Matthews, from Scotland, has provided a comprehensive review of the ocular surface immunology and how this information pertains to equine ocular surface disease. Additionally, in this special edition, there are reports on innovative diagnostic procedures [fluorescein angiography (JM Molleda et al.) and orbital MRI imaging (K Barnett et al.)]. We have included reports of innovative treatments, including safety of intravitreal triamcinolone (NY Yi et al.) and use of photodynamic therapy for squamous cell carcinoma (E Giuliano et al.). Finally, we have two very interesting and well-described case reports of ocular neoplasms [epibulbar melanoma (R McMullen et al.) and lymphoma (S Germann et al.)]. These articles are a great start, but we need much more research into equine ophthalmology, especially studies that provide information to help in the diagnosis and treatment of equine ocular disease by primary care equine veterinarians. Methods for definitive diagnoses and practical treatment of equine ocular disorders remain elusive, in general. In addition, our understanding of genetic ocular disorders and how to prevent them is also in its infancy. To facilitate and promote equine ophthalmology research, Dr Dennis Brooks and I have organized a group called the International Equine Ophthalmology Consortium (IEOC). The purpose of the IEOC is to advance the science of equine ophthalmology and to improve care of our equine patients. Specifically, the IEOC's goals are to promote the sharing of knowledge by organizing annual international meetings of interested equine ophthalmology clinician scientists; organize controlled multicenter clinical trials/studies among participating institutions and practices; organize and promote sharing of resources to perform multicenter collaborative research projects; develop specific research cores within participating member practices/institutions to attract funding for research and clinical studies from industry, private, and granting organizations (governmental and private); and promote the sharing of case material, innovative treatment, and knowledge between academic institutions and private practices with interest in equine ophthalmology. Recently an AAEP administered list-serve has been created to assist in communications with IEOC. Please see the IEOC website <http://web.mac.com/briangilger/IEOC/Mission.html> or contact me <[email protected]> if you have questions or would like to participate in this group. As an example of the value of such a group, the IEOC participants were recently asked to list their top five ‘problems’ in equine ophthalmology – that is, those diseases needing more research in the coming years. The most frequent disease mentioned was fungal keratitis (67% of responders), equine recurrent uveitis (47%), glaucoma (33%), nonulcerative keratitis (33%), ocular and periocular SCC (20%) and melting corneal ulcers (20%). Although many other diseases were mentioned, study of these six ocular diseases is definitely needed in the near future.