Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelids. There are numerous causes of blepharitis.
Causes of blepharitis:
Clinical signs of blepharitis
Diagnosis of blepharitis
Where possible, determining the underlying cause of blepharitis will result in the most favourable treatment outcomes. In some patients, this may require reducing exposure to environmental allergens, such as pollen or grass, or trialling a hypoallergenic diet. In some cases, a biopsy can help determine the cause. If a cause cannot be found, treatment will be commenced symptomatically.
Treatment of blepharitis
Treatment depends upon the underlying cause. If blepharitis is a result of other ongoing health conditions, these should be concurrently addressed. Treatment options include the following:
Prognosis
The long-term prognosis depends upon the underlying cause. Many dogs will need some form of ongoing medication. Blepharitis is often controlled rather than cured.
What are cataracts?
The lens is the clear structure inside the eye that allows you to focus. Then lens hides behind the iris so you don’t normally see it. When the lens becomes unhealthy it is called a cataract and looks white. This prevents light from reaching the retina, causing vision loss.
Causes of cataracts
There are many reasons why cataracts occur. Some of these include: diabetes, hereditary, inflammation inside the eye, retinal degenerative diseases, age, trauma and toxicities. Breeds commonly affected by cataracts include Miniature Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, Maltese, Bichon Frises and Labradors.
Treatment of cataracts
Medical therapy alone CANNOT restore vision in patients. It can only help to reduce the inflammation caused by cataracts. Cataract induced inflammation that is NOT controlled can eventuate in painful complications like glaucoma.
Surgery
Cataract surgery is extremely rewarding but requires commitment by the patient, owner and vet. Essentially the same techniques employed in human cataract surgery are used on your dog. Specialised anaesthesia, phacoemulsification via 1.8 mm incision and replacement with an artificial lens are routinely performed.
Patient Safety
Since cataract surgery is elective we ask that all patients over the age of 8 years have blood and urine tested. Other complicating factors like heart disease, airway disease or dental disease should also be discussed with your local vets.
Evaluation of the Eye
Three important tests need to be done before cataract surgery is undertaken.
Prognosis
Each cataract is unique and carries its own prognosis. Your pet’s prognosis depends upon
Complications of Cataract Surgery
Operating early reduces the risk of complications. However even with early cataract surgery some complications can occur.
Is Surgery Necessary?
No as cataract surgery is an elective procedure. Dogs with a good sense of smell can live happy lives. However dogs with useful vision are more independent and confident.
Please visit the Cataract Surgery Protocol and Post Op Care page for additional information
Cherry eye and cartilage eversion are both conditions of the third eyelid in the dog. The third eyelid is the inner eyelid that glides across the cornea, spreading tears. Cherry eye is the name given to prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid. Cartilage eversion results in kinking of the cartilage and the third eyelid sitting abnormally.
What are the clinical signs of cherry eye or cartilage eversion?
Dogs with cherry eye appear like they have a red cherry sitting over the eye and watery to mucky discharge. The prominent tissue is often red and inflamed. Cartilage eversion also appears as a red swelling on the inner corner, however, it may not be as prominent as the gland prolapse.
Which breeds of dogs develop third eyelid disease?
Cherry eye Cartilage Eversion
Bull Terrier Bernese Mountain Dog
Maltese Bullmastiff
Shar Pei Curly-Coated Retriever
Cocker Spaniel Neopolitan Mastiff
Bulldog Weimaraner
French Bulldog Great Dane
Treatment for cherry eye and cartilage eversion
Whilst ointments may initially make the eye feel more comfortable, the only way to permanently reposition the gland into its normal position is with surgery.
Surgery of the cartilage is more demanding as there are usually multiple abnormalities with the cartilage and the gland.
Chorioretinitis means inflammation of the choroid (blood layer at the back of the eye) and inflammation of the retina (nerve layer at the back of the eye).
Determining the exact cause of inflammation can be challenging. Possible causes of retinitis are highly variable and include:
Some of the causes listed above are part of a systemic disease. This means your dog may present with other clinical signs like vomiting, diarrhoea and difficulty in breathing.
Treatment is dependent upon the initial cause.
Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the pink tissue that lines the upper and lower eyelids, the third eyelid and the eyeball. The most common cause of conjunctivitis in dogs is allergic conjunctivitis. A wide variety of allergens may be a trigger: environmental, inhaled, contact or food. Infectious causes of conjunctivitis are more common in humans and cats and are rarely seen in dogs.
What are the clinical signs of conjunctivitis?
Diagnosis:
Diagnosing conjunctivitis is usually done by careful examination of the eye with magnification. It is important to rule out other conditions that cause red eyes like dry eye, entropion, corneal ulceration, uveitis and glaucoma.
Medical management
Cleaning the eyes:
It is vital that your dog’s eyes remain free from mucky discharge. Always clean your pet’s eye after you come home from a walk to ensure no debris remains in contact with the conjunctiva.
You can also use calendula tea to bathe the eyes, patients have found it quite soothing - Calendula Tea info can be found in the downloads section below.
Complications of conjunctivitis
Dry eye : keratoconjunctivitis sicca - reduction in tears and drying of all of the surfaces of the eye
Corneal damage : scarring and blood vessel reaction due to inflammation that spreads onto the corneal surface
Entropion : where the eyelids roll in onto the cornea.
The cornea is the clear window at the front of the eye. It is approximately 0.7mm thick. The corneal endothelium is a one cell layer structure on the inside of your pet's cornea. Its job is to keep the cornea dehydrated, by pumping fluid out of the cornea. When it degenerates, the cornea becomes water logged allowing blisters and ulcers to form. A Registered Veterinary Eye Specialist examines this layer carefully with a slit-lamp and ensures there are no other disease processes in the eye.
What are the clinical signs of endothelial degeneration?
Breeds predisposed
Boston Terriers, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas and Springer Spaniels are predisposed to endothelial degeneration. In addition older dogs, intraocular inflammation and intraocular surgery may contribute to corneal endothelial degeneration.
Medical management
Initially hypertonic saline drops or ointments can be trialled to dehydrate the cornea. Unfortunately as the disease progresses, and more cells are lost, medication alone is insufficient to stabilise the cornea.
Surgery
There are three main surgical techniques performed by Registered Veterinary Eye Specialists.
Note: Corneal transplantation is not suitable in dogs as graft rejection is high.
Corneal lacerations are deep cuts into the cornea. They are painful and if left untreated, can lead to blindness and loss of the eye. Trauma is the primary cause of corneal lacerations. Some lacerations will damage deeper structures inside the eye like the lens.
What are the clinical signs of corneal laceration?
Intensive medical management
Assessment and mangement
Determining the outcome of a laceration requires experience. A Registered Veterinary Eye Specialist will examine the eye carefully with a slit-lamp, indirect ophthalmoscope and sometimes an ultrasound. These eyes are very fragile and can deteriorate in 24 hours. Whilst primary care can be provided by local vets or emergency centres the eye should be examined by a Veterinary Ophthalmologist the next day. Surgery is generally required to directly suture the cornea if the wound is over 3-4mm in length and is required in all cases of iris prolapse.
Infection inside the eye
The traumatic nature of these injuries often leads to bacterial contamination inside the eye. Despite aggressive medical treatment, some eyes develop severe infection and require removal.
Lens rupture
Deeper injury can result in lens rupture and cataract formation. In some cases, aggressive medical therapy can allow some of these cataracts to spontaneously resolve. Long-term use of anti-inflammatory therapy is needed in these situations. When the lens is damaged extensively, cataract surgery may be recommended.
Complications of corneal lacerations
Corneal lipid (cholesterol) deposits are common in dogs and uncommon in cats. In dogs, there are three main causes:
An inherited condition called Corneal Dystrophy
Commonly affected breeds include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Siberian Husky, Shetland Sheepdog, Collie (Rough & Smooth), Boxer and Beagle. This condition is usually non-painful and usually affects both eyes to some degree.
Corneal Degeneration
Corneal degeneration is common in geriatric dogs leading to the deposition of cholesterol, lipid and calcium. Sometimes a deep piece of degenerated cornea will fall off the eye resulting in a serious deep corneal ulcer. This can necessitate intensive medical therapy and/or surgery to save the eye.
Lipid Keratopathy
Lipid keratopathy can be associated with high blood cholesterol levels. Many systemic (generalised) health problems like hypothyroidism, cushing's disease, diabetes, inherited problems with lipid metabolism (e.g. as seen in Miniature Schnauzers), and even high-fat diets can lead to high blood cholestrol levels. Identifying and treating the underlying condition is imperative.
A melting corneal ulcer is an ulcer that has a severe bacterial or fungal infection. A deep corneal ulcer affects the deeper layers of the cornea. Both melting and deep corneal ulcers are very painful conditions that can lead to vision loss or loss of the eye within 24 hours, even with intensive medical and surgical management. Assessment by a Registered Veterinary Eye Specialist is strongly recommended.
What are the clinical signs of deep corneal ulceration?
Antibiotic Choice
A culture and sensitivity are usually performed on all melting corneas in order to ensure the correct choice of antibiotic is used. This is done in the awake patient at the time of the consult by gently swabbing the eye with a sterile cotton bud. Whilst we are waiting for the results, a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent is used.
Surgical management
Despite aggressive medications some patients will require surgery with a Registered Veterinary Eye Specialist to stabilise the cornea.
Complications of corneal ulcers
Distichia or extra eyelashes are a second row of eyelashes that grow out of the meibomian glands on the eyelid margin. These eyelashes are not normal and in some patients can rub on the corneal surface causing painful ulcers.
Clinical signs of extra eyelashes
Dogs with distichia may have some or all of the following clinical signs:
Breeds predisposed to extra eyelashes
Any breed of dog can develop extra eyelashes but it is certainly more common in certain breeds, such as:
American Staffordshire Terrier American Cocker Spaniel
Bull Dog English Cocker Spaniel
Bull Terrier Shetland Sheepdog
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Poodles
Treatment for extra eyelashes:
Surgical removal of the extra eyelashes is only performed if the eyelashes are causing clinical signs. Many patients with fine extra eyelashes that float on the tear film will never need surgery.
At Melbourne EyeVet two surgical options exist. The Registered Veterinary Eye Specialist will discuss which technique is best suited to your pet. Choosing the wrong technique can lead to severe scarring and distortion of the eyelid margin.
If corneal ulcers are present at the time of the consult or surgery, these will be treated to promote healing. The type of treatment will depend upon the nature and depth of the ulcer.
Recurrence:
At any one time, approximately 30% of eyelash follicles are inactive. These follicles cannot be seen and may require surgery at a later date. It may take up to 3 months after the initial surgery for these hairs to become visible.
Post surgery:
The surgery site must be kept free of discharge. This can be achieved by bathing the eyelids twice daily with a facewasher soaked in lukewarm water. Some patients will require antibiotics and or anti-inflammatory medications after surgery. Head collars are not usually required unless corneal damage is present. Please check the area around the neck twice daily to ensure the collar is not damaging the skin around the neck.
Dry eye is a common condition seen in dogs. It is also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS. The normal tear reading for a dog is over 15mm/min. Dry eye is diagnosed when the tear reading falls below 10 mm/min.
Clinical signs:
Causes:
There are many causes of dry eye, but the most common cause is immune-mediated dry eye. Breeds at risk include West Highland White Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, Shih-Tzus, Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Other causes of dry eye include certain drugs, removal of the third eyelild gland and nerve related dry eye.
Medical management
Surgical management
For cases that do not respond to medical management, delicate surgery can be performed by a Registered Veterinary Eye Specialist. The surgery of choice in these cases is a parotid duct transposition (PDT), which allows the duct that carries saliva from the parotid gland to the mouth to be relocated to the eye. This means the eye will be moistened with saliva.
Cleaning the eyes:
It is vital that your dog’s eye(s) remain free from mucky discharge. Always clean your pet’s eyes with artificial tears after they have been outside to remove any debris.
These are abnormal hairs that grow on the inside lining of the eyelid. In most patients, these are stiff, bristly hairs that rub on the corneal surface and cause painful ulcers. These can be very difficult to find without slit-lamp magnification.
Clinical signs of ectopic cilia
Dogs with ectopic cilia may have some or all of the following clinical signs:
Breeds predisposed to ectopic cilia
Any breed of dog can develop extra eyelashes but it is certainly more common in certain breeds such as:
Shetland Sheepdogs Bull Dogs
Daschunds Golden Retrievers
Shih Tzus Pugs
Boston Terriers
Treatment for ectopic cilia:
Surgical removal of the abnormal hair is performed under general anaesthesia with the aid of an operating microscope.
An operating microscope is used to isolate the root of abnormal hair on the inside eyelid margin. This section of tissue is then removed. No sutures are used. It is normal for patients to have some bloody discharge after surgery. If corneal ulcers are present at the time of the consult or surgery, these will be treated to promote healing. The type of treatment will depend upon the nature and depth of the ulcer.
Recurrence
Most patients only require further surgery if new ectopic cilia develop. This is not a common occurrence.
Post surgery
The surgery site must be kept free of discharge. This can be achieved by bathing the eyelids with clean plain luke-warm water twice daily. Some patients will require antibiotics and or anti-inflammatory medications after surgery. Head collars are not usually required unless corneal damage is present. Please check the area around the neck twice daily to ensure the collar is not damaging the skin around the neck.
Entropion is a common condition in dogs. Either the upper or lower eyelid may roll onto the cornea and rub against it. Complications of entropion include corneal vascularisation (blood vessels growing onto the cornea), corneal scarring, corneal ulceration, dry eye and in severe cases vision loss.
Some breeds with complicated eyelid anatomy include Chinese Shar Pei, Mastiff Breeds, Bull Dogs, and Bernese Mountain Dogs.
What are the clinical signs of entropion?
Which breeds of dogs are prone to developing entropion?
Rottweiler Bernese Mountain Dog
Golden Retriever Bullmastiff
Chinese Shar Pei Labrador
Cocker Spaniel Poodle
Neopolitan Mastiff Weimaraner
Treatment for entropion
Plastic surgery techniques are performed under an anaesthetic with the aid of an operating microscope. The eyelid position is corrected by removing excessive eyelid tissue and closing the wounds with fine dissolvable sutures.
Post surgery
The surgery site must be kept free of discharge. This can be achieved by bathing the eyelids with clean plain luke-warm water twice daily. Some patients will require antibiotics after surgery. All animals will need to wear a protective collar so they do not rub the eyes and damage the wounds.
Eyelid tumours are common conditions in dogs. They affect the spread of normal tears over the cornea, directly irritate the cornea and sometimes lead to ulceration of the cornea and pain. If they are allowed to grow large in size, they can affect the normal function of the eyelid and require more extensive surgery to remove.
What are the clinical signs of eyelid tumours?
Treatment of eyelid tumours
Surgical removal of the eyelid tumour is normally performed under a general anaesthetic with the aid of an operating microscope. An operating microscope aids in achieving perfect eyelid alignment so that it can smoothly glide over the corneal surface.
Post surgery
The surgery site must be kept free of discharge. This can be achieved by bathing the eyelids with clean plain luke-warm water twice daily. Some patients will require antibiotics after surgery. All animals will need to wear a protective collar so they do not rub the eyes. Please check the area around the neck twice daily to ensure the collar is not damaging the skin around the neck.
Glaucoma is a painful eye disease of dogs that usually presents suddenly. The normal eye pressure in a dog is between 10-25 mmHg. Glaucoma is diagnosed when the eye pressure is above 30 mmHg. Once an eye becomes enlarged, vision is lost. Glaucoma should be treated as an emergency if vision is to be saved.
Clinical signs
Causes
Congenital (born with the condition) – uncommon
Primary glaucoma - the drainage angle inside the eye is abnormal, causing fluid to build up. Breed related - breeds predisposed to primary glaucoma include the Golden Retriever, Poodle, Siberian Husky, English Cocker Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, Boston Terrier, Border Collie, Maltese and many more. Crosses of these breeds may also be affected. Unfortunately dogs with primary glaucoma are likely to develop glaucoma in the other eye within the next 2 years. We will perform gonioscopy (look at the drainage angle) to check the good eye. We will try and delay the onset by using medications in the 'good' eye. Medications are usually LIFE LONG.
Secondary glaucoma – Can occur in any dog – due to some other process in the eye, such as:
Anterior uveitis – Inflammation in the eye
Tumour – Iris melanoma, lymphoma
Trauma – Bleeding in the eye
Anterior lens luxation – lens or cataract falls to the front of the eye
Treatment
Treatment is divided into four categories:
Emergency treatment
Treating the potentially visual eye
Resolving a blind painful eye
Delaying the onset of glaucoma in the normal eye.
Emergency Treatment
Dogs that present with sudden-onset glaucoma can be given eye drops such as Xalatan, Travatan or Lumigan. These medications can bring down the intraocular pressure within 90 minutes. If this treatment is effective, the dog will need ongoing medication to control the intraocular pressure. If this treatment is not effective then surgery is required.
Vision saving surgery:
If anti-glaucoma medications do not restore normal eye pressure then either laser surgery or a glaucoma shunt can be performed. Both surgeries require a general anaesthetic and life long medications with regular examinations.
Blind painful eye:
Where a dog has a blind, painful eye, an intraocular silicone prosthetic or eye removal is the best option. Eye removal can be done with your local vets, whereas an intraocular silicone prosthetic is only done by an eye specialist. Both these procedures require a general anaesthetic with some medications post-operatively.
Delaying the onset of glaucoma in the good eye:
For dogs with primary glaucoma, we will use eye drops to try and delay the onset of glaucoma in the good eye. These medications are life-long.
Horner’s syndrome is a condition seen in dogs, cats, horses and cattle. It affects the eye and some of the muscles around the eye. It is caused by interruption of the sympathetic nervous system to the eye.
Sympathetic Nervous System
The autonomic nervous system has great control over our bodies. There are 2 major branches: the parasympathetic branch and the sympathetic branch. The parasympathetic branch operates during relaxation ("rest and digest") and the sympathetic branch operates during times of stress ("fight or flight").
Sympathetic control of the eye:
Symptoms of Horner’s syndrome are opposite to this because the sympathetic branch is NOT FUNCTIONING
Clinical signs of Horner’s syndrome:
Dog Cat Horse
Pupil constriction Pupil constriction Pupil constriction slight
Prominent third eyelid Prominent third eyelid Third eyelid slightly raised
Globe sunken into the orbit Globe sunken into the orbit Globe sunken in
Drooping of the upper eyelid Drooping of the upper eyelid Drooping of the upper eyelid
Sweating on the neck
Pathway of the Sympathetic Branch of the Autonomic Nervous System:
The nerve starts in the hypothalamus and midbrain, travels down to the mid thoracic spine, through the chest, up the neck, through the middle ear and finally to the back of the eye.
Pharmacological Testing
Lesion location Time to resolution
Post-ganglionic (3rd order) <15 minutes
Pre-ganglionic (2nd order) 20-40 minutes
1st order neuron >45 minutes or not at all
Phenylephrine testing is only a guide to determining where a lesion may be. In certain cases further workup or neurological assessment with MRI may be required.
Breed predisposition
At Melbourne EyeVet most cases of Horner’s syndrome are seen in Golden Retrievers. Other commonly affected breeds are Collies and Cocker Spaniels. Diabetic patients also have a predisposition to developing Horner's syndrome.
Treatment for Horners
There is no actual treatment for Horner’s. Most cases are idiopathic meaning a cause cannot be found. In the majority of patients the symptoms resolve on their own over 6-8 weeks. If the third eyelids are very prominent and causing a reduction in vision, phenylephrine drops can be given for the time the dog is active.
An iris cyst looks like a brown balloon inside the eye. It can either be attached to the iris or free floating and is transparent when light shines through it. It is important to differentiate iris cysts from iris tumours. Iris tumours also look like brown masses inside the eye, but light does not pass through them and they do not float but are attached to the iris.
Animals can have either a single iris cyst or a multiple. Most of the time iris cysts cause no problems.
In horses, iris cysts often involve the corpora nigra (top of iris). This can cause head shaking and changes in behaviour.
Complications of iris cysts:
Secondary glaucoma can occur if there are lots of cysts as they can obstruct the normal exit of fluid from the eye. Great Danes and Golden Retrievers are predisposed to multiple cysts.
If the cysts burst, then pigment from the cyst can form a brown film either on the front of the lens or on the inside of the cornea. Occasionally this may reduce vision.
Treatment of iris cysts
Treatment of iris cysts are indicated when the cysts are numerous or they are large enough to affect vision. Treatment options include:
In horses, the cysts can be treated whist the horses is standing and under sedation.
Post-operative treatment
There is minimal post-operative care required after laser treatment of an iris cyst. Most animals will need anti-inflammatory medication after surgery for about 1 week. After the first post-operative visit, these are usually discontinued.
When an eye is painful and/or blind, eye removal or intraocular silicon prosthesis (ISP) placement are the only surgical options. Eye removal is a routine surgery that can be performed by your local veterinarian. The exception to this is an enlarged cat's eye. Due to the higher risk of complications in cats, such as blindness in the opposite eye after surgery, it is recommended that enlarged eyes are removed by a specialist. At Melbourne EyeVet, we offer a less invasive alternative to make our patients comfortable. This is called the intraocular silicon prosthetic (ISP).
Eye Removal
A general anaesthetic is given and the hair around the eye clipped. The entire eyeball is removed including the eyelids, all the muscles and soft tissue around the eye, and the optic nerve behind the eye. The skin is stitched closed and over time, the skin will skin into the eye socket. It is possible for blood to appear at the nostril in the first few days following eye removal, as blood can travel down the tear duct. This should simply be wiped away and will usually stop in 24 hours.
Intraocular Silicon Prosthetic (ISP)
A general anaesthetic is given, but no clipping is required. All the structures around the eye including the eyelids, conjunctiva and muscles of the eye are left in place. A horizontal cut is made on the white part of the eye (sclera) and the contents inside the eye are carefully removed. A silicon prosthesis that is measured to match the size of the fellow eye is then placed inside the eye. The eye is then closed with dissolving stitches and the eyelids closed down temporarily to protect the eye as it heals.
Home care after surgery
Pain relief (e.g. tramadol or codeine) and anti-inflammatory medications are given to all patients after this procedure.
Whilst oral antibiotics are not generally used, eye cream (topical) antibiotics are used to protect the cornea as the surgery site heals. The eye can be kept clean by gently bathing twice daily using a face washer soaked in clean, lukewarm water.
Revisits after surgery
Most patients will require 2 visits after surgery to ensure the eye is healing well. The first visit is usually 10-14 days after surgery and the second visit is usually 2 weeks after the first visit. These 2 post-operative visits are included in the surgery fee. Post-op checks seen at one of our travelling clinics will incur a travelling clinic fee of $30.
Appearance of the new eye
The new eye undergoes several colour changes as it heals over the first 1-2 months following surgery. The final colour varies from dark brown to blue grey. This is related to the amount of injury the eye has sustained from the high pressure. Even with these colour changes the new eye will move around and blink normally. Most importantly, it will be very comfortable.
Patients who should NOT have an ISP
Not all patients are suitable for an ISP. Patients with dry eye, severe corneal damage, infection inside the eye or cancer may have more complications after surgery. For these patients, eye removal is a better option.
Vision loss in a pet can be distressing for the animal and their owners alike. This doesn’t mean it’s the end for your pet though – in fact, blind pets generally manage very well. Whilst losing sight is initially hard for the animal (especially when the vision is lost suddenly), they adjust very quickly. When one sense is lost the remaining senses usually become enhanced and your pet will navigate their world using their senses of smell and hearing.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how well your pet can navigate familiar surroundings by memory alone. For this reason, it is very important not to make any sudden changes with the arrangement of furniture and the location of food and water bowls. We frequently have owners tell us that it wasn’t until they took their pet to a new place or on holidays that they realised their pet couldn’t see - they were bumping into things, acting cautious or not wanting to do anything but sleep. This initial period of adjustment can last for several weeks as your pet learns to navigate without sight and builds confidence. The best thing you can do is try and keep their routine as normal as possible and not wrap them in cotton wool too much!
Vision loss doesn’t mean your pet can’t go for walkies. It may mean they need to be on a lead so they don’t get lost. You might notice them walking close to your leg, but more confident dogs may still walk out in front – it really depends on their personality. When moving around your pet it is important to make them aware of your presence so they aren’t suddenly frightened – talk to them and reassure them a lot.
You can assist your pet by teaching them basic words to help them navigate. Keep your instructions short to reduce any confusion. This will take some time so be patient and try different things each day. Some words you might like to teach your pet include:
Stairs can be very tricky for blind pets – they often learn to go up them much quicker than going down! Make sure banisters and railings are secure to prevent your pet from falling. Pool fences may also need to be adapted to prevent your pet accidentally walking through. It is important that you make sure your backyard is secure so that your pet can’t wander off and become lost. To help your pet remember certain areas you can mark furniture or flooring with aromatherapy oils. Using different aromas for different areas is a great way to help know what area they are in.
Below is a list of websites you may find useful including owners’ stories about their blind pets.
We also have a handout with information on protective eye wear and other items that may help you and your blind pet.
The lens is the clear structure inside the eye that allows the eye to focus. When the lens becomes unhealthy, it is called a cataract and looks white. The lens normally sits behind the iris, which is the coloured part of the eye. When the lens comes forward in front of the iris, it is called an anterior lens luxation (ALL).
Consequences of ALL
Fluid that normally keeps the eye round is produced and drained at the same rate. When the lens comes forward, it blocks the fluid from leaving, and the eye pressure quickly goes up. This is called glaucoma and can result in vision loss.
Clinical signs of ALL
Breed predisposition
Breeds that commonly develop ALL are Jack Russell Terriers, Australian Cattle Dogs, Fox Terriers and Bull Terriers. Many more breeds can develop ALL.
Treatment for ALL
Surgical removal of the lens is the only way the pressure can be stabilised and vision saved. This surgery requires specialised anaesthesia and surgical equipment. A large incision is made on top of the eye and the lens removed in one piece. The incision is then closed with multiple tiny dissolving sutures. Without surgery, most patients will go blind.
Care after surgery
Keeping quiet is essential. No barking, no playing with other dogs and no going out on walks (going out to the garden to go to the toilet is fine). A head collar MUST be worn at all times for the first 7 days.
Four post-operative visits are required during the first 4 weeks after surgery. As a guide these are:
DAY 1, DAY 4, DAY 11 and DAY 25 POST SURGERY.
These visits are included in the surgery fee. Post-op checks seen at one of our travelling clinics will incur a travelling clinic fee of $30.
Following this time, we advise ongoing 6 monthly checks to ensure the health of the eye. These are charged out as revisit consultations. Drops to control infection, pressure and inflammation are given immediately after surgery. Lifelong anti-inflammatory and anti-glaucoma drops are usually required.
Complications of ALL
Even with early intervention, complications do occur and include:
Vision after surgery
Without a lens dogs can still manage to navigate, but close up focus (less than 75 cm) is poor. Without surgery, however, patients tend to go blind and experience pain.
The lens is the clear structure inside the eye that allows the eye to focus. When the lens becomes unhealthy, it is called a cataract and looks white. The lens normally sits behind the iris (the coloured part of the eye). When the lens falls backward behind the iris, it is called a posterior lens luxation (PLL).
Consequences of PLL
Fluid that normally keeps the eye round is produced and drained at the same rate. When the lens falls backward, this fluid is allowed to filter out normally and pressure is usually maintained in the normal range. If the lens suddenly comes forward, it can blocks the fluid from leaving the eye, and the eye pressure quickly goes up. This is called glaucoma and can result in substantial pain and vision loss.
Clinical signs of PLL
Subtle and difficult to determine, may include:
Breed predisposition
Breeds that commonly develop PLL are Jack Russell Terriers, Australian Cattle Dogs, Fox Terriers and Bull Terriers. Many more breeds can develop anterior lens luxation.
Treatment for PLL
Long term medical management with a drop called a miotic (shrinks the size of the pupil) can help keep the lens behind the iris. Twice daily treatment is usually required. If the pupil is allowed to dilate the lens may come forward, resulting in anterior lens luxation and secondary glaucoma. This treatment will not work if the pupil is not physically capable of miosis (becoming small) for example due to age-related degeneration of the iris sphincter muscle.
Complications of PLL
Even with long term treatment, complications do occur and include:
Vision with PLL
Without a lens in place, dogs can still manage to navigate but close up focus (less than 75 cm) is poor. With a small pupil due to the drops, vision can also be reduced, especially in dim light.
Pannus is immune-mediated inflammation of the cornea in dogs. Ultraviolet light plays an important role in the development of this condition, as does breed.
Clinical Signs:
Breeds:
Breeds predisposed include German Shepherd Dogs, Greyhounds and Border Collies.
Treatment:
Topical immune suppressive drugs are used to control pannus. These include topical cortisone and other drugs such as cyclosporin and tacrolimus. Many patients will need a life long medications. It is also recommended that the affected dog has restricted access to outdoors during high UV conditions.
Prognosis:
The condition can be controlled but not cured. If medications are not used, the cornea can scar permanently and vision can be lost.
What is PRA
PRA is a degenerative, hereditary disease of the retina that affects the vision of many purebred dogs.
Clinical signs of PRA
Dogs with PRA initially show night blindness, lack of confidence in dim lighting and seek out lights. Gradually with time, day vision also becomes affected. As the disease progresses, cataracts form and these can lead to complications like cataract induced uveitis, glaucoma and lens luxation.
Breeds that develop PRA
Golden Retriever, Poodle, Miniature Schnauzer, Labrador Retriever, Australian Cattle Dog, English Cocker Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, Tibetan Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel, Dachshund and Papillon.
Treatment for PRA
There is no actual treatment to reverse the process of the retina degenerating, however, Ocuglo may help some patients to slow the rate of progression.
Treatment of cataracts
Since the retina is degenerating cataract surgery is not usually performed in patients with advanced PRA. Some individuals with early PRA have rapidly developing cataracts whilst still having some reserve retinal function. These patients may benefit from cataract surgery for a period of time.
Cataract induced uveitis or inflammation in the eye must be treated with topical anti-inflammatory drugs. This treatment slows downs the progression of complications associated with the cataract.
Always watch the whites of the eye for redness. This may be the early stages of cataract-induced uveitis.
Genetics
Many forms of PRA are autosomal recessive. This means both parents have passed on a faulty gene to their offspring. Many breeds of dogs can now be tested to see if they carry the gene for PRA. Typically a cheek swab is taken and sent off to a laboratory. Further information can be ascertained the following web site.
Affected dogs should not be bred from and it is important to let your breeder know.
AHT – Animal Health Trust www.aht.org.uk
Animal-Genetics http://www.animalgenetics.us
ASAP Laboratories http://www.asaplab.com.au/DNA.html
Coping with vision loss
When dogs lose vision gradually, they tend to develop amazing coping mechanisms. Their sense of smell and hearing can be enormous assets to them. Let them sniff as much as possible, as this is how they learn to mind map their environment. Don’t rush them. Try to keep the house furniture in the same positions. Train them by using voice commands i.e. step up, careful and step down, before they go totally blind.
Retrobular disease encompasses any disease process occuring behind the eye. Usually the eye itself is normal and visual.
Clinical signs
Causes
Diagnostic tests
It is difficult to diagnose retrobulbar disease because you cannot see behind the eye. Often multiple modes of imaging are used.
Emergency Treatment
If the cornea is at risk of damage because the eye is pushed out, we need to stabilise this urgently. A short acting anaesthetic can be done and sutures placed in the eyelids to close the eyelids down and protect the cornea. Given the patient is already under anaesthetic, we can use this opportunity to ultrasound behind the eye and attempt to take a sample.
Medical therapy
If the cornea is not at risk of exposure some patients may benefit from a medication trial. In this situation we can use broad spectrum antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications for 7-10 days to see if the eye improves. If there is no improvement we need to investigate further.
Sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) is a retinal disorder of unknown cause that results in an acute onset of permanent blindness in adult dogs. Affected dogs are typically middle aged to older, and all breeds can be affected. There is no evidence to suggest that this disease is hereditary and there is not any known means of preventing the condition. There is no proven treatment available for this condition.
The primary complaint is always acute vision loss. Most dogs will go completely blind within four weeks of the noticeable onset of vision loss, and many dogs will have total vision loss within one to two weeks.
Though many dogs have no clinical signs of illness other than blindness, some dogs will show signs typical for Cushing's disease (increased thirst, increased urination, weight gain), though they usually test negative for Cushing's disease. These other signs commonly resolve over time.
An electroretinogram will likely be recommended for your pet in order to evaluate retinal function. This test will confirm or rule-out the diagnosis of SARDS by quantifying how much, if any, retinal function is present.
Some dogs afflicted with SARDS become very anxious and unpredictable, probably due to the exceptional stress of sudden vision loss. However, most dogs will eventually adjust to their blindness and their other senses seem to become more sensitive over time. It is important to keep the home environment as stable as possible and objects should be kept in consistent locations. Pets should not be left outside unattended unless they are in a confined space such as a yard.
There are many causes of sudden vision loss in the dog. Vision requires 3 main areas to be working; the retina, the optic nerve (takes information from the eye to the brain) and the brain itself.
Sudden vision loss is devastating for patients and owners alike. Dogs definitely go through a period of depression where their normal enthusiasm is overtaken by fear and anxiety. Whilst it is important to realise your dog’s anxiety, it is important to encourage his or her normal behaviour. Initially smaller walks, at the same time of day can help. In addition allowing your dog to “take you” and allow them to sniff as much as possible. This stimulates their brain function and generates confidence. Continual dialogue with your pet also relieves stress.
What are the clinical signs of sudden vision loss?
Most dogs have no signs of eye pain like, redness, cloudiness, discharge or discomfort.
Some owners feel that their dog may have shown odd behaviour weeks before they went completely blind. Others indicate and change in eating and or drinking patterns and possibly weight gain.
Retina Optic Nerve Brain
POSSIBLE CAUSES
Hypertension – detachment GME GME
Immune mediated inflammation Immune-mediated inflammation Brain tumour
Infectious Infectious Stroke
SARDs
CLINICAL FINDINGS
Pupil light response variable Pupil light response absent Pupil light response normal
ERG abnormal to absent ERG normal ERG normal
Neurological exam normal Neurological exam variable Neurological exam abnormal
The above table is only a guide – various diseases can present with multiple signs.
Diagnostic Testing
1. Pupillary light response
2. Examination of the retina after pupillary dilation
3. General physical examination
4. Neurological examination
5. Blood pressure
6. Electroretinogram – ERG – tests the functional capacity of the retina.
7. Referral to a medicine specialist for possible CT/MRI.
Treatment of sudden vision loss
Treatment depends upon the primary causes. Often without extensive tests it is difficult to determine the exact cause. Since many of the causes of sudden vision loss are immune-mediated aggressive systemic steroids are used. It is important to note that high doses of oral steroids will suppress the immune and change the levels of certain cells in the blood. If blood tests are to be performed, this is best done before starting the steroids. As a result it is vital to watch your dog’s behaviour and contact us if you note any problems.
SARDs – Sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome
This often occurs in middle-aged female dogs in early Spring, although it can occur in all ages, breeds and sex. Owners often report an increase in thirst, eating and weight gain around the time of the weight loss. These symptoms are also seen in another condition called Cushing’s disease. Whilst testing can be done by your local veterinarian, many dogs do not have “true” Cushings, just Cushing's-like symptoms. Unfortunately there is currently no proven treatment for SARDs. Therapy is aimed at helping your pet adjust to and cope with blindness (please refer to "Living with a Blind Pet" section above.
Superficial corneal ulcers only affect the very surface of the cornea called the epithelium. This layer is richly innervated with nerves and when damaged results in pain. If early cases are examined managed by an Eye Specialist can reduced the time of healing, reduce the cost spent in medications and possibly avoid surgery.
What are the clinical signs of corneal ulceration?
Indolent ulcers and Spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs)
Most superficial ulcers should heal within 7-10 days without surgery. Ulcers that fail to heal within this time either have an underlying problem like a hair rubbing on the cornea or have SCCED's. Breeds predisposed to SCCED's include the Golden Retriever, Boxer, Corgi and Samoyed. Older dogs are also predisposed to developing indolent ulcers as they have reduced healing capacity.
Medical management
Systemic and topical antibiotics are often used to indolent ulcers. In addition to this, systemic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also used. Topical non-steroidal drops or cortisone based drops are ALWAYS contraindicated in animals with corneal ulcers as they delay wound healing.
Surgical management
Surgery of the cornea requires experience and magnification. Although there are several techniques that can be employed to promote the healing of the cornea, not all are suitable for every type of ulcer. The types of surgery available include, burring, keratotomy and keratectomy. If the wrong type of surgery is performed, marked vision-threatening scarring can result. Please speak to a Registered Veterinary Eye Specialist to determine which surgery is the best for your pet.
Complications of corneal ulcers
Uveitis is the inflammation of the uvea. This is the blood carrying layer of the eye. The uvea has an anterior (front section) made up by the iris and ciliary body and a posterior section made up of the choroid. We can only see the iris.
What are the clinical signs of uveitis?
Dogs and cats with uveitis have a spectrum of clinical signs depending upon how severe the inflammation is. Some symptoms include redness to the whites of the eye, pain, colour changes to the iris, smallish pupil, and sediments inside the eye.
Due to the fact that uveitis involves the blood layer of the eye, anything affecting the blood system i.e. infections, cancers or abnormal immune responses, can also damage the eye. For many patients it is important to perform additional tests such as blood work, chest and abdominal xrays, abdominal ultrasound and even CT or MRI to determine the underlying cause.
Causes of uveitis include:
Cats Dogs
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) Cataract induced uveitis
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Uveodermatologic Syndrome
Feline Leukaemia Virus (FELV) Lymphoma
Toxoplasmosis Systemic fungal disease Cryptococcus / Aspergillus
Systemic fungal disease Cryptococcus Brucella canis
Bartonella henselae Tick borne diseases
Lymphoma Leptospirosis
Carcinoma of the lung (rare) Trauma
Trauma
Diagnosis of uveitis
In some cases, the cause of uveitis can be diagnosed by sampling fluid from the eye and screening for some of the infectious agents listed above. This procedure can be safely performed under a light sedation and using local anaesthetic. If no causative agent can be found, the uveitis will be treated symptomatically.
Treatment for uveitis
Anti-inflammatory medications both on the eye and systemically are needed to properly treat uveitis. Treatment is often used for many weeks after all clinical signs have gone because recurrence is common
Whilst treatment helps control the reaction, it does not always address the underlying problem. Treatments include:
Never use oral cortisone (steroids like solone, prednisolone, prednil, delta cortef) and non-cortisone anti-inflammatory (Metacam/Loxicom, Rimadyl/carprofen, Previcox) medications together.
Complications of uveitis
There are many serious complications of uveitis many of which lead to vision loss. These include:
Key points
The conjunctiva is the pink membrane that lines the whites of the eye, the upper and lower eyelids and also the third eyelid. When this tissue is inflamed it is called conjunctivitis. Either one or both eyes can be affected and the inflammation can be intermittent.
Most causes of feline conjunctivitis are infectious. The three most common are: Feline Herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), Feline Chlamydia (Chlamydophila felis) and Feline Mycoplasma. Other causes include allergens such as plants and dust.
What are the clinical signs of conjunctivitis?
Diagnosis:
Conjunctivitis is diagnosed by understanding the medical history and careful examination of the eyes with magnification. It is important to rule out other conditions of red eyes like dry eye, entropion, corneal ulceration uveitis and glaucoma. Special tests such as conjunctival swabs, culture and sensitivity, biopsy and DNA testing are needed in certain cases.
Treatment:
Mycoplasmal and Chlamydial infections usually respond well to antibiotics, but with Chlamydia prolonged treatment (6-8 weeks) may be required.
FHV-1 infections are more difficult to manage. These are usually controlled rather than cured. Topical and oral antiviral preparations can be given but many cats get recurrent infections brought on by stress. Common stressors are boarding, family holidays, adding a new pet to the household, renovations and the owner being away from home.
Managing stress in cats can be a difficult and complex problem. It is important to speak to your local vets about this to formulate a management plan.
Corneal sequestration is a condition seen in cats and commonly in the Persian, Himalayan, Colourpoint, Abyssinian and Burmese breeds.
Aetiology:
Any cause of corneal irritation ranging from trauma, entropion, trichiasis, corneal exposure and viral infections e.g. cat flu (Feline Herpesvirus) can result in sequestra formation. In purebred cats such as Persians, the corneal exposure from a prominent eye is considered the most likely cause.
Surgery
There are three surgical options for treating corneal sequestra. All three should be performed by a Registered Veterinary Eye Specialist. An operating microscope is essential as the corneal thickness is less than 1 mm and can be easily perforated.
Prognosis
Conjunctival pedicle grafts and clear corneal-conjunctival transpositions prevent the recurrence of almost all sequestra. Without a graft, about 50% of sequestra will recur.
Entropion (rolling-in of the eyelid) is a relatively uncommon condition in cats. In older cats, weight loss around the head may lead to loss of fat behind the eye and subsequent inward rolling of the eyelids. Additionally, certain breeds like British Shorthairs may be predisposed to entropion.
A important complications of entropion in cats is the development of a corneal sequestrum. This is a brown or black lesion on the cornea that can lead to corneal rupture if left untreated. A Registered Veterinary Ophthalmologist will examine this for you and discuss strategies to manage the cornea and the eyelid at the same time.
What are the clinical signs of entropion?
Treatment for entropion
Plastic surgery techniques are performed under an anaesthetic with the aid of an operating microscope. The eyelid position is corrected by shortening the eyelids, removing excessive eyelid tissue and suturing the incision with fine dissolvable sutures.
If the cornea is damaged, this is corrected by a keratectomy (removal of unhealthy cornea) and in some cases a graft that is sutured into the area where the sequestra was removed.
Post surgery
The surgery site must be kept free of discharge. This can be achieved by bathing the eyelids with a face-washer soaked in clean lukewarm water twice daily. Some patients will require antibiotics after surgery. All animals will need to wear a protective collar so they do not rub the eyes. Please check the area around the neck twice daily to ensure the collar is not damaging the skin around the neck.
Feline Herpes Virus Type 1 is a common disease that affects cats. Over 80% of cats have been exposed to the virus, most of them as kittens. Most kittens recover from the initial infection however some “carry” the virus forever as adults. Of the cats that are carriers, some will shed the virus without getting sick, but a minority will have recurrent symptoms. For those cats with repeated infections, management can be frustrating for the owner and patient.
Kitten Symptoms
Kittens show upper respiratory tract or flu-like symptoms. These may include sneezing, nasal discharge, loss of appetite, weakness and difficulty breathing. Eye signs include ocular discharge, swelling of the conjunctiva and squinting. In some kittens, the inflammation causes severe permanent scarring of the tear ducts and cornea. These cats may have chronic watery eyes as adults and reduced vision.
Adult Symptoms
Most adult cats that we see have symptoms of corneal inflammation (keratitis), specifically inflammation and ulceration of the cornea. Other common signs include ocular discharge, a very painful eye that is held shut, redness and cloudiness. In these cases, the reactivation of the virus is the most likely cause and stress is thought to be a significant factor.
Complications of untreated corneal disease include:
Diagnosis
Most cases seen here are diagnosed upon the clinical appearance, however, additional diagnostic tests may help to confirm the cause of conjunctivitis and keratitis. These tests include conjunctival or corneal cytology, PCR testing, bacterial cultures, bloods and FIV/FeLV status. Determining the exact causes and the general health status is very important for patients with recurrent infections.
Treatment
Treatment is effective but takes dedication and patience. Various treatments include:
Surgery
Whilst most patients are successfully managed with medications alone, some patients will need surgery to manage their corneal disease.
Prognosis
Overall in patients with recurrent herpes infections, “a cure” is not a realistic goal. Management and control of infections as they occur are more realistic. Patients generally do well but patience and minimising stress are vital.
Glaucoma is defined as increased intraocular pressure (IOP) inside the eye. The normal IOP for a cat is 10-25mmHg. Glaucoma occurs when the IOP is above 30 mmHg.
Glaucoma in cats is usually secondary to inflammation inside the eye, tumours or trauma.
Primary glaucoma is rare but has been reported in Siamese, Persians and Burmese.
Clinical signs of glaucoma in cats:
Treatment for glaucoma:
Care after surgery:
Minimal care is required after eye removal. All cases will be given pain relief and in some patient’s antibiotics. In certain cases we will recommend pathology of the eye to ensure there is no cancer present. Pathology results normally take 2 weeks.
Hypertensive retinopathy is a serious vision threatening condition seen mainly in older cats. It is often associated with an underlying disease process. The normal pressure in a cat should be around 120/80 mmHg. When the blood pressure is very high the retina (nerve tissue at the back of the eye) can detach resulting in vision loss.
The ideal method of assessing blood pressure is in a quiet room allowing some time for relaxation. The technique is similar to when you have your blood pressure checked at the doctor however the cuff may be placed on the front leg or the tail.
Diseases that have been associated with hypertension include:
Signs of hypertension affecting the eye include:
Other organs that maybe affected by high blood pressure include the kidneys, heart and the brain.
Most cats respond very well to anti-hypertensive medication. We recommend re-examining all cats diagnosed with hypertension 7-14 days after the start of treatment. In addition all cats with hypertension should have a full blood profile, thyroid measurement and heart evaluation. Please consult your local veterinarian for these tests. Sodium restricted diets are NOT recommended for cats with hypertension. Again, please discuss this with your local veterinarian.
Prognosis for Vision
The prognosis for vision depends upon how severe the retinal changes are, the amount of bleeding behind the eye and the extent of retinal disease. Long-term medication will be required and this is a disease syndrome that is controlled rather than cured.
The lens is the clear structure inside the eye that allows the eye to focus. When the lens becomes unhealthy, it is called a cataract and looks white. The lens normally sits behind the iris (the coloured part of the eye). When the lens comes forward in front of the iris, it is called an anterior lens luxation (ALL).
In cats, ALL is usually associated with pre-existing inflammation in the eye called uveitis.
Consequences of ALL
Fluid that normally keeps the eye round is produced and drained at the same rate. When the lens comes forward it blocks the fluid from leaving, and the eye pressure quickly goes up. This is called glaucoma and can result in vision loss.
The above consequences can occur in cats, but are more typical for dogs.
Clinical signs of anterior lens luxation in cats
Breed predisposition
Any breed may develop anterior lens luxation. Usually cats that have had a chronic low grade uveitis are at greater risk.
Treatment for ALL
Care after Surgery
Keeping quiet is essential after surgery. This includes no playing with toys or other pets. A head collar MUST be worn at all times for the first 7 days.
FOUR visits are required in the first 4 weeks after surgery. As a guide these are DAY 1, DAY 4, DAY 11 and DAY 24 POST SURGERY.
Following this time, we advise ongoing 6-monthly checks to ensure the health of the eye. These are charged out as revisit consultations.
Drops to control infection, pressure and inflammation are given immediately after surgery. Lifelong anti-inflammatory and anti-glaucoma drops are usually required.
Complications of ALL
Even with early intervention, complications do occur. These include:
Vision after surgery
Without a lens, cats can still manage to navigate, but close-up focus (closer than 75 cm) is poor. Without surgery, however, patients tend to go blind and experience pain.
Horses’ eyes are big and beautiful. The clear glass surface of their eye is called the cornea. A corneal ulcer occurs when this surface is damaged. Trauma is the most common cause of corneal ulceration in the horse.
Clinical signs of corneal ulceration:
Whilst simple ulcers heal rapidly, many horses go on to develop complicated ulcers. These ulcers can deepen quickly and become infected by bacteria, fungi or both. Complicated ulcers need urgent, aggressive treatment. Failure to do so increases the risk of vision loss and in some cases eye removal.
To determine if bacterial or fungal elements are present, corneal samples are taken for cytology (to look for organisms) and/or culture (to see if any organisms grow). This helps select the most appropriate medications.
Medical treatment versus surgery?
This is a very serious questions and cannot be answered simply as it depends upon several factors. Some of these factors include type of ulcer, anaesthetic risk and patient co-operation.
The team at Melbourne EyeVet work in unison with the clinicians at South East Equine to treat your horse’s corneal ulcer. We have found that early aggressive management gives the best results.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common cancer of the eye and eyelids in horses. Horses have a lack of pigmentation around the eyelids are at greater risk of developing SCC.
These breeds include all draft breeds and Appaloosas.
Other influential factors include:
Common locations of squamous cell carcinomas in horses include:
Treatment depends upon the location:
Recurrence
One of the most common causes of treatment failure is due to recurrence. Due to the nature of the tumour, SCC are initially locally invasive. However tumour cells can have long extensions making excision margins difficult to predict. It is important to have a cancer watch program in place to ensure that early lesions are not missed. Revisits are scheduled initially at 1, 3 and 6 months apart. Following this, careful re-examination every 6 months is advised. It is equally important that we minimise exposure to sunlight and carefully check the eyes.
Uveitis is the inflammation of the uvea, the blood carrying layer of the eye. The uvea has an anterior (front section) made up by the iris and ciliary body and a posterior section made up from the choroid. We can only see the iris.
What are the clinical signs of uveitis?
Horses with uveitis have a spectrum of clinical signs depending upon how severe the inflammation is. Some symptoms include redness to the whites of the eye, pain, colour changes to the iris, smallish pupil, and sediments inside the eye, cataract formation, enlarged eye and vision loss.
Due to the fact that uveitis involves the blood layer of the eye, anything affecting the blood system i.e infections, cancers or abnormal immune responses, can also damage the eye.
There are numerous causes of uveitis including trauma, corneal disease and immune-mediated disease.
Treatment for uveitis
Anti-inflammatory medications both on the eye and systemically are needed to treat uveitis. Treatment is often used for many weeks after all clinical signs have gone because recurrence is common.
Whilst treatment helps control the reaction, it does not always address the underlying problem.
Complications of uveitis
There are many serious complications of uveitis many of which lead to vision loss. These include:
Key points
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