Ophthalmology

Indolent ulcers, or recurrent ulcers, are a specific type corneal ulcer in which the outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium) will not adhere to the underlying layer (the stroma).  This condition often times occurs spontaneously in dogs over 6 years of age.  Certain breeds of dogs (Boxers) are more commonly affected.  Regardless of the cause, these ulcers can persist for months if left untreated, causing pain and scar formation. Most Common Therapy for Indolent…

Feline herpes virus is the most common cause of corneal and conjunctival disease in cats.  It can be a most frustrating disease to manage for the patient, the owner, and the doctor. This virus cannot be spread from a cat to other species, including humans. Almost every cat most (greater than 90%) has been exposed to herpes, but not every cat develops symptoms. Clinical Signs of Feline Herpes Virus  The clinical signs of feline herpes…

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or dry eye describes the changes in the cornea which result from the lack of tear production.  The cornea is the clear portion in the front of the eye. Like all living tissue, the cornea requires a supply of oxygen and food for energy.  As the cornea has no blood vessels, oxygen and food is supplied through the three layered ‘tear film’.  The outer most layer of the tear film is an…

Maintenance of normal pressure within the eye depends on a delicate balance between production and escape of internal eye uid (aqueous humor). In glaucoma, the fluid drains too slowly or is completely blocked. As the fluid builds up, the pressure inside the eye rises to dangerous levels causing pain as well as retina and optic nerve damage. What Causes Glaucoma in Pets? Causes of aqueous humor blockage include: Inherited, born with an abnormal drainage…