General

Notes on surgical technique, Animal Eye Care
Modification of the Rhea Morgan Pocket Technique for replacement of prolapsed third eyelid glands (Cherry Eye).

Differential Diagnosis include: 1. Haemangioma (usually looks like a blood blister) 2. Melanoma (usually black but can be amelanotic) 3. Limbal melanocytoma (smooth black swelling arising at the limbus) 4. NGEK Nodular granulomatous episcleriokeratoconjunctivitis (pale pink to cream-coloured swellings)

Many ulcers in general practice can be successfully managed medically, and in some cases additionally with a temporary tarsorrhaphy or a third eyelid flap. However for deeper ulcer where perforation threatens then there is an indication for placing a graft to support the cornea.

Vision in small animals can be assessed through the menace response (also tests CN VII function and can be absent with cerebellar disease without loss of vision), visual placing response (patient held under chest and brought up towards a table on which they attempt placement of thoracic limbs) and obstacle courses.

A patient with corneal endothelial degeneration will present to you with a blue cloudy eye (corneal oedema). The endothelium is the deepest layer of the cornea. Unfortunately dogs and cats are only given one endothelium.

In Veterinary Ophthalmology, breed predisposition is extremely relevant. We hope that you find this list of commonly seen breeds and their common eye diseases helpful.

Common Eylid conditions in dogs.

ALWAYS consider breed predisposition. Many eye cases in dogs developed because of inbreeding. Just assume that any German Shepherd with an eye problem you see has pannus, Bassets are predisposed to glaucoma, young Bichon Frise often develop cataracts, just assume that all brachycephalics have corneal disease.

Many see a prominent eye, and think it must be an enlarged (buphthalmic) globe and jump to a diagnosis of glaucoma. This is one possible cause, but there are other possible aetiologies for a prominent eye.

This includes the variety of examinations Animal Eye Care performs depending on the individual case.

The take home essentials from Robin Stanley’s talk to the AVA Victorian Division meeting. If you were not able to attend this fantastic meeting in the Yarra Valley, then here are the important points in dealing with geriatric eye problems.