Chapter 2 Conjunctiva
INTRODUCTION
The conjunctiva is a highly vascular layer on the surface of the eye and eyelids. It functions in some respects as a lymph node does, reacting to antigens to which the ocular surface is exposed. The most frequently diagnosed condition is conjunctivitis, which may have various causes (e.g., infectious, allergic). Infectious conjunctivitis and its sequelae are seen commonly in cats. Conjunctival lesions in dogs and cats, including neoplasia, are illustrated in this chapter.
Figure 2-1 Dermoid arising from the dorsal conjunctiva in a 5-month-old Siamese cat. A dermoid is an occurrence of normal, haired skin in an abnormal location. Dermoids are found on eyelid margins, conjunctiva, and corneas.
Figure 2-3 Severe herpesvirus conjunctivitis in a cat. Note the marked conjunctival swelling (chemosis) and pseudodiphtheritic membrane formation.
Figure 2-5 Conjunctivitis associated with feline herpesvirus infection in an adult cat. Chemosis, conjunctival injection, and mild mucopurulent ocular discharge are present.
Figure 2-6 Conjunctivitis associated with feline herpesvirus infection in a cat. Upper respiratory tract infection, chemosis, conjunctival injection, and mucopurulent ocular discharge are present.
Figure 2-7 Symblepharon caused by a resolved herpesvirus infection in a cat. A symblepharon is an adhesion between structures of the eye; in this case an adhesion exists between the bulbar surface of the nictitans and the cornea.
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