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Friday, July 3, 2009

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Corneal ulcers in dogs and cats The cornea is the clear, shiny, outer capsule of your pets' eye. It is comprised of three very thin layers — the outer most is called the epithelium; the stroma comprises the middle layer and Descmet's membrane is the inner most layer. The cornea derives its nutrients from the tears rather than from blood vessels, unlike most other tissues in the human body. The cornea is an extremely delicate structure and can be scratched, scraped or ulcerated easily. An erosion of the epithelial layer of the cornea is called a corneal erosion or abrasion. A corneal ulcer is when the erosion goes through the entire epithelium into the stromal layer of the cornea. If the corneal erosion goes through the Descmet's membrane, then it is referred to as a Descmetocele. If Descmet's membrane ruptures then the contents of the eye can leak out and the eye can collapse. When injuries to the cornea are shallow (to the epithelial layer) they heal very rapidly and these are the most common corneal injuries found in younger, more active pets. What causes corneal ulcers? There are several causes for corneal ulcers but some of the most common reasons are: * Trauma — rubbing or pawing at the eye, a cat scratch to the eye, the dry or hardened hair of the face (most common in small breeds that have naturally long hair around the eyes and face e.g. Shih Tzu's) or presence of a foreign body causing repeated trauma to the eye. * Chemical irritation — shampoos and dips that get into the eye can cause irritation and can result in corneal injury. * Abnormal conformation of the eye — breeds like the Sharpei and Chow Chow that are prone to entropion (eyelids that roll inward) are also more prone to corneal injury, as well as animals with protruding eyes like the Pekingese and Persian cats. * Dry Eyes (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca) — drying of the cornea due to abnormal tear formation. * Corneal ulcers in cats due to Herpes virus infections. * Diseases of the Endocrine System — Diabetes, Hyperadrenocorticism, and Hypothyroidism. What are the symptoms of corneal ulcers? Corneal ulcers are very painful and in response, your pet may rub or paw at the affected eye (which can cause the problem to become worse). The pet may also squint the eye or try to keep the lid of the affected eye closed tightly so as to protect the eye. You may also notice a discharge draining from the affected eye. In severe cases, there may be a bulging of the cornea which is when there is a descmetocele present — this should be considered an emergency. How are corneal ulcers diagnosed? Your veterinarian will use a special stain called Flouroscein stain which is used to detect a tear in the surface of the cornea. The stain adheres to abraded areas of the cornea and is visible with an ultraviolet light source from an opthlamoscope. How are corneal ulcers treated? Depending on the severity of the corneal injury treatment can vary from application of a topical, medicated ointment (for minor cases) to surgery that will help to cover the ulcer or descmetocele (in more severe cases). Your veterinarian will determine the exact cause of your pets' corneal ulcer and make possible suggestions to you that will help to prevent the recurrence of this painful condition. If your animal exhibits the symptoms associated with a corneal ulcer consult with your veterinarian right away, in order to bring relief to your pet. Monday, June 8, 2009