title: Phacofragmentation for morgagnian cataract in a horse.
abstract: A 3-year-old Paint gelding was presented for sudden onset of cataract affecting the right eye. Ophthalmic examination revealed subtle to mild microphthalmia and a mature cataract affecting the right globe. The right eye was treated with an antibiotic-corticosteroid ophthalmic ointment and phacofragmentation was recommended. On re-examination 5 months later, resorption of the cortex of the right lens and a morgagnian cataract were evident. The nucleus was positioned ventronasally in the lens capsule. The right eye had light perception, and a menace response was present. Examination of the right fundus via binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy was not possible. Ophthalmic ultrasonography revealed that the right globe was 4 mm shorter in axial length when compared with the left globe. There was a marked reduction in the size of the right lens vs. the left lens, and the presence of a moderate amount of hyperechoic debris was identified within the vitreal compartment of the right globe. Phacofragmentation, irrigation and aspiration of the morgagnian cataract and an anterior vitrectomy were performed. On postoperative examination, the eye was comfortable and a menace response was present. The horse regained useful vision and continues to have a comfortable, visual eye 7 months postoperatively.
authors.affiliation: Animal Eye Care, 181 Darling Road, East Malvern, 3145 Australia. chloeh@medeserv.com.au
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hardman
authors.forename: T R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: McIlnay
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Dugan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002386:Cataract / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006736:Horses; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography