Eye diseases

Eye diseases in cats and dogs are one of the most frequent reasons for owners to visit a veterinary clinic. Most of them require urgent intervention of a specialist, because without treatment can lead to complete loss of vision of the pet.

Features and types of eye diseases

Types and forms of pathologies of the organs of vision in pets are very many. 

They are:

Primary, when it is the ophthalmological disease that develops;

secondary, in which the eyes "suffer" due to diseases of other organs and systems (for example, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, renal failure), trauma, poisoning.

Veterinary ophthalmologists distinguish in separate groups of diseases:

eyelids;

the vasculature of the organs of vision;

ocular cavity;

lens;

conjunctiva;

lacrimal tract;

cornea;

glaucoma.

Pathologies may be congenital or developed under the influence of certain risk factors.

Causes of eye diseases in dogs and cats

Ophthalmological problems occur in pets for a variety of reasons. The main ones are:

hereditary predisposition;

intoxications of various etiologies;

traumas;

metabolic disorders;

age-related changes;

avitaminosis;

allergic reaction;

autoimmune disorders.

Eye diseases are part of the symptomatology of some infectious lesions. More often they accompany such pathologies as:

feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV);

plague of carnivores;

canine adenovirus infection;

congenital anomalies;

feline herpesvirus;

chlamydia;

calcivirosis;

feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and others.

Inflammation of tissues of visual organs is provoked by microbes, fungi, parasites. Infections are especially dangerous for shelters, large catteries. The crowding of animals in such places is quite high. Pathogens spread quickly, especially among young animals with unformed immunity.

The most common eye diseases in pets

Veterinarians often encounter the following conditions:

eyelid ingrowth or eversion. The latter variant is dangerous due to the increased risk of infection. In a squamous eyelid, the cornea is permanently damaged by the cilia. Breed predisposition to the defect is recorded in Maine Coons, SAOs, Sharpeys, Bulldogs;

dry eye syndrome - a chronic condition characterised by a decrease in the synthesis of lacrimal fluid. It is more common in dogs than in cats;

conjunctivitis - inflammation of the conjunctiva. It is usually a symptom of an underlying disease;

cataract - clouding of the lens. It is considered age-related, sometimes provoked by systemic pathologies (e.g. diabetes mellitus);

blepharitis - inflammatory disease of the eyelids;

lens dislocation;

keratitis - reduced transparency of the cornea on the background of inflammation;

prolapse (prolapse) of the third eyelid;

glaucoma - increase in intraocular pressure with subsequent atrophy of the optic nerve;

uveitis - inflammation of the vasculature;

erosions, ulcers of the cornea;

prolapse (dislocation) of the eyeball. Usually occurs in cats and dogs with convex orbits after blows, falls, car accidents.

Organs of vision are often traumatised during fights, games with relatives or children, when foreign bodies hit. In order to notice abnormalities in time, the owner should carefully observe the pet.

Symptoms and diagnostic methods

The main signs of ophthalmological pathologies are:

purulent or serous discharge;

squinting of one or both eyes;

poor orientation in unfamiliar places;

lacrimation;

photophobia;

itching in the eyelid area (the pet constantly rubs the muzzle with its paws);

tear marks on the fur;

opacity, change of colour of the iris;

inability to open the eyelids;

dense crusts in the corners;

redness of mucous membranes;

visible third eyelid;

pain (the animal is aggressive, tends to hide when the owner tries to touch the head);

decreased reaction (or lack thereof) of the pupil to changes in light intensity.

These symptoms are not very specific, so it is not possible to diagnose a pet on your own. If you find problems with the dog's eyesight, you should urgently make an appointment at the veterinary clinic. To prevent the cat from scratching its eyes, it is a good idea to put on a protective collar.

At the appointment, the doctor will perform a slit lamp examination (biomicroscopy). Additional tests will likely be needed. These include:

ophthalmoscopy - examination of the eye fundus;

Seidel's test - staining the cornea with fluorescin;

measurement of intraocular pressure (tonometry);

ULTRASOUND;

Schirmer's test - estimation of the amount of secreted lacrimal fluid.

If infection is suspected, the furry patient will be prescribed blood and urine tests. In the case of trauma, most likely it will be necessary to make an X-ray. Having analysed the data obtained, the doctor will make an accurate diagnosis. Will choose the best conservative or surgical treatment.

Treatment 

If ophthalmological disease is secondary, the main focus will be on eliminating the underlying pathology.

Therapy of the organs of vision consists of regular hygienic treatments, putting ointments under the lower eyelid, introducing special drops.

Attention: the use of any drugs without the appointment of a veterinarian is prohibited! Self-medication can lead to blindness of the pet.

Well-proven means of the company Apicenna:

Ophthalmosan - drops based on chlorhexidine have a disinfectant effect. Herbal extracts contained in the composition quickly relieve inflammation, succinic acid provides additional moisturising;

Dekta-2 - has a pronounced antibacterial, anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory effect. Drops are prescribed for the prevention and treatment of diseases of bacterial nature. Including in order to prevent infection after surgery, trauma, extraction of foreign bodies.

Both drugs easily penetrate into all tissues of the eye, provide the necessary level of active ingredients for therapy.

Ophthalmological pathologies in cats and dogs develop gradually. It is important to notice their first signs. Contacting the clinic at the early stages of disease development significantly increases the chances of full recovery.