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Ever since I can remember I have been interested in taking photographs of the world around me. My first subject when I was about 8 was my baby brother who I used to chase around the house with my plastic Kodak 110 camera. A few years later when I got my first pet “Lynx” I would spend quite of bit of time chasing after him with the camera instead. I did get a lot of use out of that fist Kodak 110 camera and I have a lot of great memories that I captured with it.
When I used to look at the photographs that I had taken, I would notice something quite different however between the photographs of my brother and those of the cat. The pictures of Lynx more often than not seemed to have this glow to them at night. This allowed me to imagine the idea that our pet cat was a “ghost” and scared my brother and I enough to never allow our poor cat into our bedrooms at night. Back then I certainly had no idea that the eye of a cat and dog is a little different than that of humans and that behind the retina there is a reflective strip (tapetum) which causes the eye to glow green or yellow when light hits the eye at night.
Although the tapetum reflecting light back at night is normal and would not be considered a problem, there are other very common problems that affect the eyes of dogs and cats that are not normal and need to be treated properly. These problems usually get pet owners worried trying to figure out what to do. usually the concerned pet owner calls us in the pharmacy and is then told that any eye condition should be treated properly by a veterinarian to prevent possible additional complications which could range from cosmetic all the way to blindness. the most common eye condition is inflammation. Conjunctivitis, uveitis, keratitis, and kerotoconjunctivitis sicca are some of the terms used to properly describe this condition depending on the location and cause of the inflammation.
Inflammation of the conjunctiva (the pink tissue of the inner surface of the eyelids) is called conjunctivitis. possible causes for conjunctivitis included bacterial or viral infections, allergies, physical conditions, smoke, chemicals, or a foreign body getting in the eye. depending on the cause, different treatments are used. Allergies may be treated by either determining the allergen and removing it or treating with steroids. Prednisolone acetate ophthalmic suspension and dexamethasone sodium phosphate ophthalmic solution are the usually the steroids used when the inflammation needs to be immediately controlled. If the condition is caused by a bacterial infection, treatment could include ointments such as Terramycin or BNP triple antibiotic ophthalmic, or drops such as gentamicin. Neo Poly Dex is also sometimes used and is available as either an ointment or as drops.
Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea, the clear front layer of the eye. The cornea is usually clear and contains no blood vessels. causes of keratitis include injuries, infections, and allergies. treatment for keratitis is also specific depending what is causing it. If the eye has suffered a traumatic injury, surgical correction may also be an option. For allergic keratitis, prednisolone acetate ophthalmic suspension and dexamethasone sodium phosphate ophthalmic solution are used as treatment. If the keratitis is caused by a bacteria, treatment may include an antibiotic along with a steroid such as Neo Poly Dex.
Uveitis is inflammation of the middle layer of the eye. The middle layer consists of the iris, the ciliary body and the choroids. One or more of these regions may become inflamed and depending on the region, the uveitis may have a different name. Anterior uveitis is used when both the iris and the ciliary body are inflamed. Posterior uveitis is used when both the iris and the choroids are inflamed. Panuveitis is used when the entire middle layer of the eye is inflamed. treatment for each of these varies depending on the cause of inflammation. the best way to prevent this is to eliminate or reduce eye irritants such as dust or smoke. pets that suffer from this condition many times are also sensitive to sunlight.
Kertoconjunctivits sicca (KCS) describes a condition in which tear production is reduced. This condition is known as “dry eye.” Although dry eye does not seem too dangerous, it does sometimes cause inflammation, infection, and even blindness if totally ignored and left untreated. The tear glands stop producing enough tears to adequately lubricate the eye. This can be caused by infection, injury, drug reactions, immune reaction or surgical damage. Tears provide the eyes a method for removing irritants and when they are not there, the pet is forced to sometimes rub his or her eyes to remove whatever is irritating the eye. This condition is sometimes treated with surgery, and if this is caused by a drug reaction, the drug is discontinued. many times it is not possible to determine the cause so treatment may not be specific and may include cyclosporine ophthalmic drops or ointments, tacrolimus, or artificial tear solutions.
Eye inflammation is a very serious but treatable condition that affects both dogs and cats. depending on the cause of the inflammation, treatment may be short-term or may be life-long. The underlying cause is usually treated to prevent further inflammation and then a steroid is often used to decrease the amount of inflammation. All conditions that affect the sensitive eyes need to be examined by your veterinarian. the best thing you can possibly do for your dog or cat is to make sure that when something looks wrong with them (especially areas like the eye) to take them immediately to get proper veterinary care. A 1800PetMeds pharmacist is also available to discuss any medication related questions that you may have.
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