Calcification associated with the nasolacrimal system of a horse: case report and mineralogic composition

Abstract

A 12-year-old Paso Fino mare was evaluated for a chronic nasal and ocular discharge. A calcification was identified eroding through the nasal mucosa of the middle meatus. Differential considerations for this mass included dacryolith, nasal calculus, or calcified tooth root abscess. Anatomical location and case history and progression supported a dacryolith. Following removal, the calculus was submitted for mineralogic analysis. The calculus was primarily carbonate hydroxylapatite (Ca10(PO4)3(CO3)3(OH)2) with a minor NaCl halite constituent. Dacryoliths, or nasolacrimal calculi, are an uncommon occurrence in animals, and sparsely reported in humans. The etiopathogenesis of dacryolith formation is unknown. The objective of this article was to report the first case report of an equine nasolacrimal system dacryolith and its mineralogic composition.

Suture exostosis causing obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct in three horses

“…obs. ), as well as in other case reports, were performed with the horse under standing sedation (Schumacher et al 1992;Ramzan and Payne 2005;Cassotis and Schiffman 2006). Dacryocystorhinography is a moderately technically demanding procedure and is irritating for the horse, presumably due to the pressure within the duct.…”

“…Unless the duct has acquired an alternative drainage into a wound, the nasal cavity or the paranasal sinuses proximal to the obstruction (Wilson and Levine 1991;Cruz et al 1997;Barber 2005), epiphora of the affected side is a consistent clinical fi nding and is mentioned as the presenting complaint in most reported cases (Schumacher et al 1992;McIlnay et al 2001;Ramzan and Payne 2005;Cassotis and Schiffman 2006). Failure of fl uorescein to appear at the nasal ostium within 20 minutes of being instilled in the lacrimal lake is suggestive of obstruction of the duct, and is described as a negative Jones test (Miller Michau 2005).…”

Diode laser photoablation to correct distal nasolacrimal duct atresia in an adult horse

“…Other nasolacrimal congenital anomalies, such as imperforate proximal puncta or anomalous openings, are uncommon in horses . Acquired problems of nasolacrimal duct include rupture secondary to facial fractures, calcification, dacryocystitis secondary to periapical tooth root infections and obstruction secondary to suture exostosis . Clinical examination and further diagnostic exams (i.e., dacryocystorhinography, computed tomography dacryocystography) are necessary, in case of suspected NLD atresia or obstruction, to accurately identify the atretic or stenotic point before attempting surgical intervention .…”

Endoscopic examination of the nasolacrimal duct in ten horses

“…Temporary or permanent occlusion, due to atresia, extraluminal constrictions (such as suture exostosis), dacryoliths or dacryocystitis of the nasolacrimal duct or the lacrimal sac, are a common occurrence in animals (McIlnay et al . 2001; Cassotis and Schiffman 2006; Carslake 2009). For this reason, a better understanding of nasolacrimal duct anatomy would provide useful information about the aetiopathogenesis and treatment of nasolacrimal duct diseases in the horse.…”