Biomicroscopic, Gross, and Microscopic Observations of Corneal Lesions in the Lake Trout, Salvelinus namaycush

Abstract

A description has been given of a corneal lesion which occurs in hatchery-reared lake trout. The lesion is characterized by a general cloudiness of the cornea leading to marked epithelial erosion. A secondary inflammatory response with pigment migration and uveitis is observed. The condition terminates in endophthalmitis and complete loss of the functional eye and destruction of choroid, retina, lens, and iris. Although many factors may be involved, the osmotic gradients to which the freshwater teleost eye is exposed are believed to play a vital role in the development of this corneal pathology.