The histopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics of pigmentary and cystic glaucoma in the Golden Retriever.

A clinical syndrome comprising the formation of thin-walled cysts within the posterior chamber, proteinaceous exudation, and pigment dispersion, which typically culminates in glaucoma is recognized in the Golden Retriever breed. Although not uncommon, this syndrome has been relatively infrequently documented in the literature, particularly from a histological standpoint. Fifteen globes from Golden Retrievers presented to Eye Care for Animals between 2003 and 2009 were evaluated by routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) as well as immunohistochemical staining. Alcian blue, periodic acid Schiff (PAS), Masson's trichrome, Cytokeratin, Vimentin, Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE), S-100, and smooth muscle actin staining were performed. The thin-walled cysts stained positive with Vimentin, NSE, and S-100 in 15/15 globes, consistent with a ciliary body epithelial cellular origin. No globes demonstrated goniodysgenesis. All 15 globes exhibited free pigment within the trabecular meshwork. Little to no inflammatory infiltrate was noted in 15/15 eyes. These findings suggest that the term 'uveitis' may be an inappropriate description of this syndrome.