title: Vernal-like conjunctivitis in a western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla).
abstract: METHODS
  A 17-year-old female western lowland gorilla presented with bilateral ocular discharge, conjunctivitis, and rhinitis that was investigated and treated over a 34-month period. Clinical findings, diagnostic results, treatment, and follow-up are described.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A mild intermittent mucoid ocular discharge was initially noted. 10 months later, conjunctival hyperemia and thickening developed and progressed rapidly to a mass-like lesion covering the right eye. Hematology revealed eosinophilia. Conjunctival cytology revealed eosinophils and neutrophils, and histopathology revealed a chronic proliferative eosinophilic conjunctivitis. 21 months after, the ocular lesions were investigated the gorilla developed masses within both external nares. Histopathology of the nasal lesions revealed chronic-active eosinophilic rhinitis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Treatment of the gorilla was based on protocols recommended for human patients. Protocols for mild, moderate, and finally severe disease were used, involving topical and oral combinations of treatments. The gorilla eventually responded to systemic immunosuppressant therapy recommended for severe refractory disease.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of vernal-like conjunctivitis in a western lowland gorilla.
authors.affiliation: Aspinall Foundation, Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Aldington Road, Lympne, Kent, CT21 4PD, UK.
authors.forename: Jane S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Hopper
authors.affiliation: Aspinall Foundation, Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Aldington Road, Lympne, Kent, CT21 4PD, UK.
authors.forename: Ellen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Holding
authors.affiliation: Cytopath Ltd, PO Box 24, Ledbury, Hertfordshire, HR8 2YD, UK.
authors.forename: Emma J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Scurrell
authors.affiliation: Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral service, Highlands Road, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands, B90 4NH, UK.
authors.forename: Heidi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Featherstone
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018420:Ape Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D006071:Gorilla gorilla; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents
keywords: conjunctivitis; cyclosporine; eye(s); gorilla; vernal