Intralesional interferon alpha-2b as a novel treatment for periocular squamous cell carcinoma in horses.

Objective: To determine the safety and efficacy of perilesional human recombinant interferon alpha-2b (IFNα2b) for treatment of periocular squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) in horses.

Animals Studied: Eleven horses (12 eyes) with PSCC were enrolled in this prospective clinical study with owner consent.

Procedures: Systemically healthy horses were included in the study following confirmation of PSCC via biopsy.

Novel ocular immunotherapy induces tumor regression in an equine model of ocular surface squamous neoplasia.

Ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) is the major cause of corneal cancer in man and horses worldwide, and the prevalence of OSSN is increasing due to greater UVB exposure globally. Currently, there are no approved treatments for OSSN in either species, and most patients are managed with surgical excision or off-label treatment with locally injected interferon alpha, or topically applied cytotoxic drugs such as mitomycin C. A more broadly effective and readily applied immunotherapy could exert a significant impact on management of OSSN worldwide.

Pathology in Practice.

In collaboration with the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.

Effect of topical administration of 0.1% diclofenac sodium ophthalmic solution at four frequencies on intraocular pressure in healthy Beagles.

Objective: To evaluate effects of topical ophthalmic administration of diclofenac on intraocular pressure (IOP) when applied at 4 frequencies to eyes of Beagles.

Animals: 8 ophthalmologically normal Beagles.

Procedures: The study involved four 5-day experimental periods each separated by a 16-day washout period.