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Objective To evaluate the effect of topical cyclopentolate hydrochloride (CH) on quantitative pupillometric readings (PR), tear production (TP), and intraocular pressure (IOP) in healthy horses. Animals studied Fourteen client-owned horses. Procedures In a two-phase design study, each animal received 1% CH ophthalmic solution in the left eye [treated] and 0.9% NaCl in the right eye [control] (0.2 mL each). In the first phase (n = 7), TP, IOP, and PR assessment was performed by Schirmer tear test I, rebound tonometry and static pupillometry, at 1, 8, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 148, 172, and 196-hours post-instillation. In the second phase (n = 7), plateau mydriasis was evaluated by assessing PR hourly for 8 hours post-instillation. For PR assessment, pupil area (PA), vertical diameter (VPD), and horizontal diameter (HPD) were recorded. All pupillometries were obtained in a room with fixed light intensity (45-60 lux). Statistical analysis was performed by generalized estimating equations method for the effect on parameters over time. Results After topical CH, significant differences in pupil dilation were seen from 1 to 172 hours for VPD and from 8 to 24 hours for PA, without significant differences on HPD over time. In the second phase, plateau PA and VPD were reached at 3 hours, while plateau HPD at 2 hours. No significant effects were detected on TP and IOP in both eyes at any time, nor on PR of the nontreated eyes. Conclusions Topical 1% cyclopentolate hydrochloride could be considered an effective and safe option when a mydriatic/cycloplegic drug is needed in horses.

Objective To describe ocular findings associated with Rhodococcus equi bronchopneumonia in foals, and to determine whether severity of the ocular lesions is related with outcome. Animals studied Foals diagnosed with R equi infection at the VTH-UAB from January 2002 to December 2017. Procedure Rhodococcus equi infection was diagnosed by means of clinical signs, radiographic/ultrasonographic findings, and/or positive culture. In all the foals, a complete ophthalmic examination by a boarded ophthalmologist was performed and ocular signs were recorded and graded (0-4). Results Thirty-nine foals were included in the study, from which 12 showed signs of bilateral anterior uveitis (30.8%). Among these, three foals were classified as mildly uveitis-affected (MUA:7.7%) and nine as severely uveitis-affected (SUA:23.1%). Five SUA foals showed green aqueous flare (5/9;55.5%). Despite the systemic treatment, 9/39 sick foals died (23.1%), the fatality rate being different between groups: SUA (4/9;44.4%), MUA (0/3; 0%) and nonuveitis-affected foals (5/27;18.5%). Among SUA foals, only one with green aqueous flare died (1/5;20%). Conclusion Bilateral anterior uveitis is highly prevalent in foals with R equi pneumonia (30.8%). The severity of anterior uveitis might be considered a nonsurvival prognostic factor and, until proven otherwise, green aqueous flare could be taken as a strongly suggestive ocular sign of the disease. Findings of this study remark the clinical relevance of performing a complete ophthalmic examination in sick foals, in order to help in the diagnosis and prognosis of uveal diseases, as well as to guaranteeing visual soundness.