Neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser treatment of cystic granula iridica in horses: eight cases (1988-1996).
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.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
8 horses.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Cystic granula iridica may cause vision impairment in horses. Treatment with an ophthalmic Nd:YAG laser appears to be safe and effective.
Gilger
B C
BC
Department of Companion Animals and Special Species Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27606, USA.
Davidson
M G
MG
Nadelstein
B
B
Nasisse
M
M
D000535:Aluminum; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology; D003560:Cysts / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006736:Horses; D007499:Iris Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D009354:Neodymium; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary; D015019:Yttrium
D009354:Neodymium; D015019:Yttrium; D000535:Aluminum