Risk factors associated with cataracts and lens luxations in captive pinnipeds in the United States and the Bahamas.

OBJECTIVE: To determine risk factors for lens luxation and cataracts in captive pinnipeds in the United States and the Bahamas. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: 111 pinnipeds (99 California sea lions [Zalophus californianus], 10 harbor seals [Phoca vitulina], and 2 walruses [Odobenus rosmarus]) from 9 facilities. PROCEDURES: Eyes of each pinniped were examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist for the presence of cataracts or lens luxations and photographed. Information detailing husbandry practices, history, and facilities was collected with a questionnaire, and descriptive statistical analyses were performed for continuous and categorical variables. Odds ratios and associated 95% confidence intervals were estimated from the final model. RESULTS: Risk factors for lens luxation, cataracts, or both included age >or= 15 years, history of fighting, history of ocular disease, and insufficient access to shade. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Diseases of the lens commonly affect captive pinnipeds. Access to UV-protective shade, early identification and medical management of ocular diseases, and prevention of fighting can limit the frequency or severity of lens-related disease in this population. An extended life span may result from captivity, but this also allows development of pathological changes associated with aging, including cataracts.

Intracapsular lens removal in a Przewalski's wild horse (Equus caballus przewalskii).

A 11.5-yr-old female Przewalski's wild horse (Equus caballus przewalskii) presented for unilateral blepharitis and drainage from the left eye. The left cornea was not ulcerated, and intraocular evaluation was hampered by severe corneal edema. The left eye appeared to respond positively to treatment with anti-inflammatories and a topical mydriatic agent. During the ensuing 2 yr, there were minor episodes of epiphora from the left eye. The discharge then increased, and a luxated lens was noted during an examination by a veterinary ophthalmologist as part of the preshipment examination. Initially, the lens was located in the anterior compartment but was in the vitreal compartment at the time of surgery, complicating the intracapsular extraction. After successful removal of the lens, the horse was transferred to a new institution without incident, where it appears to have adapted well to its probable loss of vision in the left eye. No further episodes of uveitis, corneal edema, or epiphora have been reported, and the horse has successfully foaled at the new institution.