All Common Animal Eye Conditions
Anterior Uveitis
Anterior uveitis is inflammation inside of the eye; affecting the anterior uvea (iris and ciliary body).
Bartonella
A Ubiquitous Gram-Negative Bacteria with “Apparent” Ocular Manifestations in “Some” Dogs and “Some” Cats
Basement Membrane Disease (BMD)
Basement Membrane Disease is a condition in which the epithelium (surface of the cornea) does not adhere properly, and results in chronic, painful, non-healing corneal ulcerations.
Canine Ocular Onchocerciasis
Canine ocular parasites, although uncommon, do occur and the three most common are Thelaziasis, Dirofilariasis, and Onchocerciasis.
Cataracts
Cataracts are opacities (clouding) in the lens which block light and can subsequently decrease an animal’s functional vision, depending on their severity.
Common Causes of Sudden Blindness in Dogs
Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration (SARD), Immune-Mediated Retinal Detachment Syndrome and Diabetes Mellitus Induced Mature Cataract are common causes of blindness in dogs.
Corneal Sequestration
Corneal sequestrations, also known as corneal mummification, corneal necrosis, and corneal nigrum have been reported in the United States and Europe and are a unique disease process affecting the cornea of the domestic cat.
Ectopic Cilia
Ectopic ciliae are hairs (eyelashes) which grow in an abnormal location and direction; emerging from the underside of the upper or lower eyelid and pointing directly toward the eye.
Entropion
Entropion is a condition in which the eyelids roll in and result in eyelashes and facial hair rubbing against the cornea, which can lead to corneal ulcerations, corneal scarring, discomfort, and impaired vision.
Exposure Keratopathy Syndrome (EKS)
Exposure Keratopathy Syndrome is a corneal disease that results in brown pigmentation that “grows” across the cornea. This is often concomitant with scar tissue formation and blood vessel infiltration.
Feline Herpesvirus Type 1
Feline Herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) is believed to be the most common cause of ocular disease in cats.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is described as an increase in pressure within the eye and if left untreated can cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve.
Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis (GRPU)
GRPU is a progressive anterior uveitis, typically affects both eyes, has no gender predilection and affects the Golden Retriever only.
Hypertensive Retinopathy
Hypertensive Retinopathy is a condition wherein high systemic blood pressure (hypertension) causes secondary retinal detachments and/or retinal hemorrhages and results in sudden complete or partial blindness.
Immune-Mediated Eosinophilic Keratoconjunctivitis (IMEKC)
Immune-Mediated Eosinophilic Keratoconjunctivitis (IMEKC) is a unique syndrome found in cats.
Iris Melanosis / Melanoma
The iris is the colored part of the eye. In cats, an abnormally pigmented area of the iris may represent either a benign or a malignant lesion.
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS)
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, commonly known as “dry eye”, is a condition in which the animal does not produce enough tears and thus cannot adequately lubricate the eyes.
Meibomian Gland Adenoma (MGA)
If MGA’s become large enough, they can cause irritation to the cornea and conjunctiva, and may reduce the normal ability to blink.
Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
The naso-lacrimal duct (tear duct) is a passageway connecting the eye to the nose and mouth.
Pannus
Immune Mediated Superficial Keratitis or Pannus is most commonly seen in German Shepherds, though other breeds such as Greyhounds and Border Collies can be affected.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an inherited disease which occurs in many canine breeds, including the Labrador Retriever, Australian Cattle Dog (Blue and Red Heelers), and mixed dogs.
Prolapsed gland of the nictitating membrane or Cherry Eye
Prolapsed Gland of the Nictitating Membrane (PGNM) or Cherry Eye is most commonly seen in English Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, and Beagles and occasionally in certain feline breeds such as Burmese, Himalayan, and Persians.
Proptosis
Proptosis is a forward displacement of the eyeball such that the animal can no longer blink over the eye.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
SCC is a form of skin cancer that affects the outer layer of skin cells.
Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration (SARD)
In SARD, the retina is damaged rapidly (i.e. a matter of days) and results in an incurable loss of vision.
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