Ocular lesions in horses with lymphosarcoma: 21 cases (1977-1997).

Objective: To determine the most common ocular lesions in horses with lymphosarcoma.

Design: Retrospective study.

Animals: 79 horses histologically confirmed to have lymphosarcoma.

Procedure: Ophthalmic examinations were performed by a single individual.

Results: 21 of 79 horses had lesions involving the eye or ocular adnexa. Infiltration of the palpebral conjunctiva and eyelids was the most common lesion (n = 11). Other lesions included uveitis (n = 4), corneoscleral masses (2), third eyelid masses (2), and diffuse retrobulbar infiltrates (2).

Clinical Implications: In horses with lymphosarcoma, ocular lesions may precede or be more obvious than lymph node enlargement or signs of visceral involvement. Early recognition of ocular lesions suggestive of lymphosarcoma may allow a more rapid diagnosis of lymphosarcoma in horses.