Keratomycosis in six horses in the United Kingdom.
Authors: Sansom J, Featherstone H, Barnett K C
Journal: The Veterinary record
Summary
Fungal infections of the equine cornea (keratomycosis) remain an uncommon but significant presentation in equine ophthalmology, yet published cases describing their clinical manifestations and management are limited. This UK-based case series examined six horses with confirmed keratomycosis and identified three distinct clinical presentations of the condition, suggesting that fungal corneal disease may present with considerable variation in signs and progression. The diagnostic approach and treatment responses are detailed, providing practical guidance on when to suspect fungal aetiology—particularly in cases of corneal ulceration that fail to respond to conventional antimicrobial therapy or progress despite appropriate care. Understanding these variable presentations and knowing which diagnostic tools (such as fungal culture and cytology) to employ is essential for early identification and can substantially improve outcomes, as delayed diagnosis frequently results in serious complications including perforation and permanent vision loss. For practitioners managing equine ocular disease, this work underscores the importance of considering fungal infection in the differential diagnosis of refractory corneal ulceration and emphasises the need for tailored antifungal protocols rather than assuming bacterial or viral causes.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Keratomycosis should be considered in horses with corneal disease; diagnostic procedures described can guide practitioners in identifying fungal involvement
- •Recognition of multiple clinical presentations of fungal keratitis is important for appropriate case management and treatment planning
- •Treatment protocols outlined in this case series can inform clinical decision-making for horses presenting with suspected or confirmed corneal mycosis
Key Findings
- •Six horses with keratomycosis presented with three different clinical expressions of the disease
- •Diagnostic work-up and treatment response protocols were established for equine keratomycosis
- •Fungal corneal infections in horses can present with variable clinical manifestations requiring specific diagnostic approaches