Veterinary Research Communications · 5 authors, 3 centres
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This study examined 45 donkeys with ocular diseases using ultrasonography and histopathology, finding cataract in 76% of affected eyes as the most common pathology. Ultrasonography accurately identified anterior uveitis, cataract, retinal detachment, and phthisis bulbi, with findings confirmed by histopathology. The results demonstrate that ocular ultrasonography is a valuable, noninvasive diagnostic tool for donkeys, especially when opacities prevent direct ophthalmoscopic examination.
**Background:** Ocular diseases are common in donkeys, but limited studies have documented the ultrasonographic features of these diseases or correlated them with histopathology. This study aimed to report the correlation between ultrasonographic and histopathologic changes associated with common ocular diseases in donkeys.
**Methods:** The study included 45 donkeys (26 male, 19 female; median age 9.8 years, range 4–20 years) with ocular diseases admitted to the Department of Surgery, Anesthesiology and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt during 2018–2021. Complete ophthalmic examinations (neuro-ophthalmic, slit lamp, direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy) were performed. Ocular ultrasonography was performed using a 10–12 MHz linear transducer (SonoVet R3) via trans-palpebral B-mode scanning. Following humane euthanasia, eyes were enucleated and examined grossly and histopathologically (H&E staining).
**Key Results:** A total of 75 ocular abnormalities were diagnosed in 64 diseased eyes (26 donkeys had unilateral involvement, 19 bilateral). The most common abnormality was cataract (57/75, 76%), followed by anterior uveitis (13/75, 17.3%), retinal detachment (3/75, 4%), and phthisis bulbi (2/75, 2.6%). All eyes with anterior uveitis also had cataract. Cataract stages included incipient (13/57, 22.8%), immature (16/57, 28.1%), mature (26/57, 45.6%), and hypermature (2/57, 3.5%). Ultrasonography accurately identified lens changes (echogenicity, shape, size) and associated vitreous opacities, hypopyon, lens luxation, retinal detachment (seagull wings sign), and phthisis bulbi. Histopathology confirmed the ultrasonographic findings, showing lens fiber swelling, vacuolation, homogenous eosinophilic lenticular mass, mineralization, and associated uveal inflammation, fibrosis, and vascular changes.
**Clinical Implications:** Ocular ultrasonography is a valuable, noninvasive diagnostic tool for donkeys, particularly when opacities of the cornea, aqueous humor, lens, or vitreous hinder direct ophthalmoscopic examination. It allows visualization of intraocular structures and retrobulbar space, aiding in accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning. The study highlights cataract as the most common ocular pathology in donkeys, often associated with uveitis and other intraocular changes. Periodic ocular screening is recommended for early detection and management of ocular diseases in donkeys.