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Objective: Scleral ossicle rings of reptiles have endoskeletal functions that are not completely understood. Moreover, descriptive reports on the anatomy of those rings are scarce. We tried to make an anatomical description that could contribute to a better understanding of their functions. Animal Studied and Procedures: We quantified, histologically characterized and evaluated the morphobiometry of the scleral ossicles, and measured the aditus orbitae of 25 sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) heads. Results: The aditus orbitae represented about one‐third of the total head length and the mean area of the internal opening of each ring was up to 8.37% of the aditus orbitae area. The mean internal diameter of the rings (6.32 mm) was characteristic of scotopic species and the most frequent number of ossicles per ring varied between 11 and 12. Two new classifications were proposed for the ossicle types: plus‐Verzahnung (+V) and minus‐Verzahnung (‐V). The bone tissue revealed a lamellar arrangement typical of compact and resistant bones. Conclusion: The obtained data may be used to support and expand the understanding of functions, animal activity patterns, distinctions between taxa and taphonomic interpretations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a case of chronic ocular trauma that resulted in fixed and free‐floating, pigmented epithelial iridociliary cysts, inflammation, and secondary glaucoma in a caiman (Caiman latirostris). A 20‐ to 25‐year‐old male caiman was presented with phthisis bulbi in the right eye, and congested episcleral vessels, corneal leukoma, disorganized anterior chamber, multifocal anterior synechia, and elevated intraocular pressure in the left eye. Ocular ultrasound of the left eye revealed round structures dispersed in the anterior and posterior chambers and vitreous cavity. Bilateral enucleation was performed, and gross pathology of the left eye revealed multiple pigmented cysts attached to the iris and posterior corneal surface causing marked distortion of the anterior uvea, and free‐floating in the vitreous cavity. Histopathology demonstrated heavily pigmented cystic structures of iridociliary epithelium origin carpeting the anterior segment surfaces and causing obstruction of the iridocorneal angles, leading to secondary glaucoma. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of iridociliary cysts in wildlife species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A captive loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) of unknown sex, 3 years of age, presented with bilateral mucoid secretions, severe chemosis, conjunctival hyperemia, and globe retraction. The animal was evaluated ophthalmologically and systemically, and hematological, microbiological, and conjunctival cytological and biopsy samples were collected for complementary diagnosis. The histopathological examination showed amphophilic intranuclear inclusions associated with severe inflammatory infiltrate. The diagnosis of Chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChAHV 5) was confirmed with end point PCR. Following systemic treatment with L‐lysine, acyclovir and vitamin A, the ocular signs resolved. No amphophilic intranuclear inclusions were seen in a follow‐up biopsy 5 months later, and there has been no recurrence of clinical ophthalmic signs during a 4‐year follow‐up. It is suggested that ChAHV 5 be considered as a differential diagnosis in captive marine turtles that present for conjunctival disease other than fibropapillomatosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This study describes the use of polymethylmethacrylate implants with interconnecting channels ( PIIC) to fill the orbit following enucleation in 31 dogs and 11 cats. Method Seven channels were drilled into the implant. A central channel, running from the PIIC pole to its flat surface, was used to pass sutures anchoring the PIIC to the orbital fascia, minimizing the likelihood of extrusion. Six more channels allowed ingrowth of fibrovascular tissue into the PIIC, which reduces the risk of extrusion. Patients were evaluated 3, 10, and 30 days postoperatively, with 15 of 42 patients followed for 6-20 months. Ultrasound examination was performed in seven patients 15-510 days postoperatively, and two implants were studied histopathologically. Results Implants were well tolerated and prevented skin concavity, leading to good cosmetic results. Blood flow was imaged in vessels growing into the channels, and histopathologically a collagenous, fibrovascular capsule was seen surrounding the PIIC and invading its channels. Conclusions PIICs are a safe and cosmetic solution to anophthalmic orbits, allowing ingrowth of blood vessels and fibrovascular tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The aim of this study was to establish normal ophthalmic parameters for selected diagnostic tests, and to describe the orbital anatomy and adnexal histology of the broad-snouted caiman. Method A total of 35 Caiman latirostris that were free of obvious ocular diseases were used to measure the parameters in this investigation. Ages ranged from 5 to 15 years. Ophthalmic diagnostic tests were conducted, including evaluation of tear production with Schirmer Tear test-1 ( STT1), culture of the conjunctival bacterial flora, applanation tonometry, conjunctival cytology, nictiating membrane incursion frequency test ( NMIFT), endodontic absorbent paper point tear test ( EAPPTT), palpebral fissure length measurement ( PFL) and B-mode ultrasonography. Adnexal histology and skull samples were studied. Results Mean (± SD) STT1 was 3.4 ± 3.6 mm/min (95% confidence interval of 2.01-4.78 mm/min), intraocular pressure ( IOP) was 12.9 ± 6.2 mmHg, NMIFT was 6.0 ± 3.5, EAPPTT was 17.1 ± 2.5 mm/min, PFL was 28.9 ± 3.0 mm, anterior chamber depth was 3.1 ± 0.3 mm, lens axial length was 8.4 ± 0.6 mm, vitreous chamber depth was 7.9 ± 0.7 mm and axial globe length was 19.9 ± 1.3 mm. For all animals evaluated, Bacillus sp., Diphteroids and Staphylococcus sp. were predominant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this study was to establish reference values for diagnostic ophthalmic tests in sambar deer ( Rusa unicolor) as well as to describe the most relevant features of the bony orbital anatomy and ocular histology. Method Twenty healthy animals, free living in a forest reserve, that were captured for clinical evaluation as part of a health survey were evaluated. Schirmer tear test-1 ( STT1), conjunctival microbiota, intraocular pressure ( IOP), conjunctival cytology, anatomy of the bony orbit, and ocular histology were studied. Results Mean ± SD STT1 and IOP values were 18.8 ± 4.7 mm and 11.4 ± 2.8 mmHg, respectively. IOP was significantly higher in adult (4-8 years) animals ( P = 0.04). Bacterial growth was present in 100% of the samples, with a prevalence for Staphylococcus sp. and Bacillus sp. The conjunctival cytology revealed predominance of columnar epithelial cells with mild pigmentation. The sambar deer orbit is completely encompassed by bone. The ocular histology was very similar to most mammalians. Conclusions The findings in this study will be useful in the diagnosis of ocular diseases in Rusa unicolor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The accumulation of pus in the orbit originating from an infected dental root is classified as odontogenic intraorbital abscess. Methods Clinical, laboratory, and image evaluation of a non-human primate was performed. Results The patient was cured after surgical therapy. Conclusions This represents the first report of an odontogenic periodontal abscess in Cebus apella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Animal Studied Procedures Results Conclusions To describe morphological features of Megaptera novaeangliae eyes using ultrasonography and histology.A total of 21 globes from 19 M. novaeangliae were used for the study, including two animals with bilateral assessment. Nine stranded animals were found alive, 10 dead.Carcasses were classified according to decomposition state. Globes were assessed ultrasonographically, biometric measurements were taken and then the tissues were sectioned for histological analysis.Seventeen carcasses were classified as decomposition code 2 and two as code 3. Fifteen animals were calves, three juveniles and one adult, twelve males, and five females. The cornea was thinner in the center of the eye and thicker at the periphery. The lens had an oval shape. Fourteen animals showed a structure in the vitreous body which looked triangular and filamentous by ultrasonography and, histologically, originated in the central part of the optic nerve and extended to the posterior region of the lens, composed of connective tissue. The most common abnormalities found by ultrasonograph were retinal detachment (n = 13) and displacement of the lens into the vitreous (n = 4), along with alterations suggestive of hemorrhage, fibrin deposits, and increased echogenicity in the optic nerve (n = 2).An intraocular structure not previously described in cetaceans was found in this investigation; its function remains unknown. Circulatory changes that were evident in the histopathological analysis may be due to the stranding process and raise the need to consider ophthalmic examinations before reintroducing stranded mysticetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]