Ultrasound Findings in Horses with Severe Eyelid Swelling: Nine Cases

1. Introduction
Visual inspection of the globe is not often possible in horses with severe blepharedema. Ultrasonography provides a means to evaluate the globe, eyelid, and periorbital region. This paper describes the sonographic findings, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome for horses with severe blepharedema. Dacryoadenitis as a previously undescribed cause of acute blepharedema is discussed.

2. Materials and Methods
Case records of nine horses with severe blepharedema that presented for ultrasonographic evaluation of the globe and periorbital region were reviewed. Ultrasonography was performed as described previously and included evaluation of the eyelids and periorbital region.

3. Results
All cases were unilateral and acute. Ultrasonography showed profound enlargement of the lacrimal gland (dacryoadenitis), eyelid abscessation, fractures, or globe collapse with fractures. Dacryoadenitis and eyelid abscessation accounted for >50% of cases and responded quickly to medical treatment. One case of traumatic origin sustained loss of the affected eye. [...]