Intraocular Osseous Metaplasia in Norfolk Black Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo): Clinicopathological Characterization of a Rare Avian Condition.

Intraocular osseous metaplasia is a rare avian condition requiring histopathological diagnosis.

This case report describes intraocular osseous metaplasia in an adult Norfolk Black turkey, a rare condition characterized by abnormal bone formation within ocular tissues. The affected bird presented with progressive buphthalmos, caseous ocular discharge, and complete vision loss in the left eye. Enucleation was performed due to poor prognosis. Gross pathology revealed a friable, caseous, yellow-white intraocular mass involving the retina and vitreous. Histopathological examination demonstrated abundant osteoid matrix, osseous trabeculae, intense neovascularization, heterophilic infiltration, and medullary bone-like areas. The findings distinguish this condition from normal scleral ossicles found in birds. The authors propose that chronic inflammation and longstanding retinal detachment may trigger differentiation of retinal pigment epithelium into osteoblast-like cells, promoting osseous metaplasia in the ciliary body. This case emphasizes the importance of recognizing intraocular osseous metaplasia as a differential diagnosis for intraocular masses in avian species and highlights the diagnostic value of histopathological evaluation. The authors recommend further investigation into pathogenesis, systemic involvement, and underlying etiologies.

This summary was distilled by AI and may occasionally misinterpret data. Confirm critical details with the primary literature before clinical application.