Ocular Emergencies

Corneal ulcers are a common ophthalmic condition presenting to the small animal practitioner. They may be classified as “simple and uncomplicated” or “complicated/emergent”. If emergent, they typically present due to significant ocular discomfort, loss of vision, or compromised globe integrity. Causes vary from external trauma in origin ( i.e. secondary to globe prolapse, conjunctival/corneal foreign body, corneal chemical burn, corneal wound and/or perforation, iris prolapse) or other primary ocular underlying conditions (i.e. keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), eyelash abnormalities (disticia, ectopic cilia), eyelid abnormalities (entropion, ectropion). Prompt intervention and proper treatment are essential to preserve vision and restore ocular comfort.

Uveitis specifically refers to inflammation of the middle layer of the eye (the uveal tract) but more commonly, it may refer to any inflammatory process involving the interior of the eye, with inflammation specifically of the uvea termed iridocyclitis. This lecture outlines the pathology, recognition and treatment of the various causes of uveitis in the dog and cat.

Glaucoma is a heterogeneous group of clinical syndromes that are characterized by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) ultimately leading to optic nerve damage and blindness. Glaucoma is common in the dog and is not only blinding but also painful if the IOPs are not maintained within a normal range. This lecture provides a simplified approach to diagnosis and clinical decision making in cases of canine glaucoma for the general practitioner, including a discussion of emergency and maintenance therapy.

The objective of this lecture is to provide the small animal practitioner with some useful tips for remembering how to diagnose corneal edema, why it occurs, and what the “core” differentials for a “blue eye” are. We will then build on those differential diagnoses to discuss appropriate diagnostic workup of various ophthalmic abnormalities that result in a “blue eye.” Finally, we will review various treatment strategies.

This lecture will provide an overview of this procedure and provide some useful tips to making each procedure a more comfortable experience for both patient and veterinarian alike.

This lecture presents the approach to diagnosis and management of several ocular emergencies not already covered in the course so far, including proptosis, and eyelid laceration repair.