Ask The Vet RadioShow Notes

Show #: 06-121

Show Description: "Ophthalmology"

Audio Files: ATVR-06-121.mp3, ATVR-06-121.wma

Pet owners underestimate the importance of pet ophthalmology.  Associate Professor of Ophthalmology Dr. Diane Hendrix from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine stopped by to discuss common eye problems in multiple species and the symptoms to look for.  Dr. Erin Champagne, President-Elect from the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO), joined us via telephone to describe the ACVO and give tips on how listeners can find an ophthalmologist in their area. 

Show Notes and Resources:

In-Studio Guest: Dr. Diane Hendrix, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine

  • Even though the Ophthalmology department at the University of Tennessee is considered a division of the small animal clinic, the specialists treat all animals with eye problems including large animals and exotics.  Call 974-VETS or visit http://www.vet.utk.edu/ for more information on the program.
  • Certain breeds are more prone to eye diseases, especially purebred dogs.  Some breeds that are most commonly treated at UT include cocker spaniels, poodles, and Boston terriers.  These breeds are very popular and tend to have a predisposition for developing eye problems.  Though some breeds develop cataracts less frequently, all breeds are susceptible to cataracts.  Animal cataract surgery is very similar to human cataract surgery.  The only difference between the two is that pets require stitches in the cornea to prevent them from rubbing their eyes.
  • Eye problems can occur at any age in dogs.  Though eyelid abnormalities show up early, dry eyes can occur at any time.  Some breeds can be born with cataracts like schnauzers, but others do not develop them until 15 or 16 years of age.  Dogs develop eye problems more frequently than any other species.  Horses, however, are more likely to develop infection due to their environment.  Eye problems in horses include ulcers (usually resulting from trauma), cancer in the eyes, and recurrent inflammation (that can lead to eventual blindness).  All horses are not as adaptable with blindness as others and can get hurt if not taught to slow down and adjust.
  • One caller had a Pekinese with abnormal eye discharge.  Yellow discharge usually indicates a lack of normal tear production and chronic dry eye.  This problem results because the bacterium is unable to be washed out properly.  Medication that induces tear production usually resolves this type of problem.  Dogs with normal tear production can have excess hair or extra eyelashes that tickle the cornea causing another problem.  This issue results in regular tearing and can make the face wet.  Blockages of the tear ducts can cause ulcers if not treated.  A small amount of eye discharge in the morning can be normal, but periodic checks should be performed to confirm that the discharge is not a symptom of a larger problem.  The caller, Dale, would like to offer fellow Pekinese owners a chance to begin a club in the East Tennessee area about the breed.  Contact Dale at writerartist@gmail.com if you are interested.
  • Many animals develop dryness of the cornea (KCS) that tends to go undiagnosed until serious problems arise.  KCS can occur rapidly and can cause eyes to rupture.  Symptoms include a green-yellow discharge and a sudden lack of luster in the eyes.  Red eyes are another common occurrence in dogs and should be checked immediately.  Red eyes can be a symptom of dry eyes, inflammation, allergies, glaucoma, and other disease. 
  • Sudden Acquired Retinal Syndrome (SARS) or sudden blindness is a common problem that ophthalmologists face.  The syndrome is typically undetectable until the animal starts showing sign of vision difficulty.  The only abnormality in the animal is the sudden blindness.  The difference between the human form and the animal form of SARS is that the cause for developing sudden blindness in humans is typically caused by tumors.  Due to the high adaptability of dogs with sudden blindness, scientific research to discern a cause in pets is less obtainable.  Dogs with sudden blindness learn to live a remarkably life once they have adjusted to the disability. 
  • All animals require good nutrition which can ultimately decrease their chances of developing eye problems.  Before breeding dogs, check out the Canine Eye Registry Foundation.  All dogs that are bred should be certified to eliminate genetic eye disease.
  • Cats, like horses and dogs, have their own set of eye problems.  The herpes virus in cats causes ulcers; this disease can be treated with antiviral drugs.  Unlike dogs, cats rarely have dry eyes or eyelid problems.  Chlamydia is fairly common in cats and results in an abundance of ocular discharge.  This infection is treated with a topical treatment that must be used two weeks after symptoms disappear.  Iris melanoma is another problem found in cats that can be detected by brown spots on the iris.  This infection can be helped by removing the eye and thus preventing the spread of the disease to the entire body.  Brown spots in cats are commonly malignant and should be watched carefully.

Call-In Guest: Dr. Erin Champagne, President-Elect of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO)

  • The ACVO consists of board-certified members across the United States and in at least 30 different countries around the world.  To acquire the credentials enabling membership, one must go through extensive internships, residency programs, and board exams in addition to studying veterinary ophthalmology.
  • Check out www.acvo.org for additional information on ophthalmology including how to locate an ophthalmologist in your area, what to expect from a visit, and a list of common diseases.  Many eye problems can be treated by your local veterinarian; however, some issues such as cataracts, glaucoma, or severe injury require a specialist.  Visit your local veterinarian to obtain a referral for an ophthalmologist. 

Rescue of the Week: The Southern States Mastiff Rescue

  • The Southern States Mastiff Rescue is an all-volunteer organization that is dedicating to finding rescued mastiffs a permanent home in the southern states including Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and many more!  To learn more information on the breed or view adoptable mastiffs, visit www.sosmastiffrescue.org or our rescue page!