Ocorrência de afecções oculares em equinos atendidos no hospital universitário veterinário da Universidade Federal da Paraíba: estudo retrospectivo

Abstract

Veterinary ophthalmology is one of the fastest growing specialties in recent years. Ophthalmic injuries are a frequent case in equine medical clinics. The objective of this research was to carry out a retrospective study of patients treated for ophthalmic diseases, drawn up from the collection of data from equine care records, from 2013 (October) to 2023 (December). The patient files were provided by the large animal sector of the Veterinary University Hospital of the Federal University of Paraíba. Of the 1,467 equines treated in approximately 10 years, 32 cases were ophthalmic problems, 11 females and 21 males. It was evident that the diseases most frequently treated were those of neoplastic origin (25.00%), keratitis (25.00%), inconclusive diagnoses (15.63%), conjunctivitis (9.38%), uveitis (6. 25%), stromal abscess (3.13%), ectropion (3.13%), multiple conditions (3.13%) and glaucoma (3.13%). It is concluded that the most frequent affections were those of neoplastic origin and keratitis, in an equal number of attendances, with complementary exams being crucial for diagnostic conclusion and institution of treatment. Regarding symptoms, a pattern is noted in the demonstration of clinical signs by animals with eye conditions, with epiphora and blepharospasm being common in most, highlighting the importance of an accurate examination using specific equipment and requesting complementary tests, for an assertive diagnosis, and differentiation in relation to the etiology of the diseases.