Chapter 17 Diseases of the Eye THE FERRET Diseases of the eye in ferrets are similar to those in other species. The three most frequently seen disorders are conjunctivitis, cataract or lens luxations, and retinal atrophy. Conjunctivitis may have many causes—bacterial, viral (canine distemper virus or human influenza virus), or environmental (dust, debris, vapors). Cataract and lens luxations are believed to be inherited traits, and animals with these traits should not be used for breeding. Likewise, retinal atrophy may also be related to genetic causes or nutritional deficiencies (taurine). Typically, no treatment is suggested for these genetically based diseases. CLINICAL SIGNS Conjunctivitis • Ocular discharge • Red, swollen conjunctiva • +/− Blepharospasms Cataract/lens luxations • Opacity of the pupil Retinal atrophy • Progressive loss of vision DIAGNOSIS • Physical examination and history • Complete ocular examination • Culture and sensitivity of ocular discharge TREATMENT • Ophthalmic antibiotic ointment based on culture/sensitivity • Canine distemper is usually fatal in ferrets; no treatment is available • No treatment for genetic disfunction RODENTS Cataracts Cataracts occur in rats and mice as both inherited and congenital lesions and secondary to other diseases and trauma. Nutritionally induced cataracts are also seen in laboratory rats fed increased levels of sucrose, xylose, or galactose. CLINICAL SIGNS • Opacity of the lens in one or both eyes • Usually will not impair vision DIAGNOSIS • Complete ophthalmologic examination TREATMENT • Correct diet if nutritional cause is suspected • No treatment is available for most pet rats INFORMATION FOR CLIENTS • It would be unusual if cataracts in pet rats resulted in loss of vision. Epiphora, Conjunctivitis, and Chromodacryorrhea (Pigmented Tears) Many rodents produce tears that contain the pigment porphyrin. These red-brown secretions are often mistaken for blood in the medial canthus and on the front paws of the animal. Both bacterial and viral diseases can be associated with conjunctivitis in rodents. Noninfectious causes include irritation from soiled bedding, malocclusion of overgrown incisors, and poor nutrition and hygiene. CLINICAL SIGNS • Overproduction of tears or lack of tear duct drainage • Red, swollen conjunctival tissues • +/− Signs of systemic disease • +/− Signs of incisor overgrowth DIAGNOSIS • Physical examination and history • Exfoliative cytology of the conjunctiva • Flushing of the lacrimal ducts • Distinguish porphyrin from blood (porphyrin will fluoresce under ultraviolet light, blood will not) • Culture and sensitivity of conjunctiva TREATMENT • Systemic antibiotics based on culture/sensitivity results • Topical ophthalmic antibiotic ointments Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Related Related posts: Hematologic and Immunologic Diseases Diseases of the Nervous System Overview of Ferrets, Rodents, and Rabbits Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel Join Tags: Common Diseases of Companion Animals Aug 31, 2016 | Posted by admin in GENERAL | Comments Off on Diseases of the Eye Full access? Get Clinical Tree
Chapter 17 Diseases of the Eye THE FERRET Diseases of the eye in ferrets are similar to those in other species. The three most frequently seen disorders are conjunctivitis, cataract or lens luxations, and retinal atrophy. Conjunctivitis may have many causes—bacterial, viral (canine distemper virus or human influenza virus), or environmental (dust, debris, vapors). Cataract and lens luxations are believed to be inherited traits, and animals with these traits should not be used for breeding. Likewise, retinal atrophy may also be related to genetic causes or nutritional deficiencies (taurine). Typically, no treatment is suggested for these genetically based diseases. CLINICAL SIGNS Conjunctivitis • Ocular discharge • Red, swollen conjunctiva • +/− Blepharospasms Cataract/lens luxations • Opacity of the pupil Retinal atrophy • Progressive loss of vision DIAGNOSIS • Physical examination and history • Complete ocular examination • Culture and sensitivity of ocular discharge TREATMENT • Ophthalmic antibiotic ointment based on culture/sensitivity • Canine distemper is usually fatal in ferrets; no treatment is available • No treatment for genetic disfunction RODENTS Cataracts Cataracts occur in rats and mice as both inherited and congenital lesions and secondary to other diseases and trauma. Nutritionally induced cataracts are also seen in laboratory rats fed increased levels of sucrose, xylose, or galactose. CLINICAL SIGNS • Opacity of the lens in one or both eyes • Usually will not impair vision DIAGNOSIS • Complete ophthalmologic examination TREATMENT • Correct diet if nutritional cause is suspected • No treatment is available for most pet rats INFORMATION FOR CLIENTS • It would be unusual if cataracts in pet rats resulted in loss of vision. Epiphora, Conjunctivitis, and Chromodacryorrhea (Pigmented Tears) Many rodents produce tears that contain the pigment porphyrin. These red-brown secretions are often mistaken for blood in the medial canthus and on the front paws of the animal. Both bacterial and viral diseases can be associated with conjunctivitis in rodents. Noninfectious causes include irritation from soiled bedding, malocclusion of overgrown incisors, and poor nutrition and hygiene. CLINICAL SIGNS • Overproduction of tears or lack of tear duct drainage • Red, swollen conjunctival tissues • +/− Signs of systemic disease • +/− Signs of incisor overgrowth DIAGNOSIS • Physical examination and history • Exfoliative cytology of the conjunctiva • Flushing of the lacrimal ducts • Distinguish porphyrin from blood (porphyrin will fluoresce under ultraviolet light, blood will not) • Culture and sensitivity of conjunctiva TREATMENT • Systemic antibiotics based on culture/sensitivity results • Topical ophthalmic antibiotic ointments Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Related Related posts: Hematologic and Immunologic Diseases Diseases of the Nervous System Overview of Ferrets, Rodents, and Rabbits Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel Join Tags: Common Diseases of Companion Animals Aug 31, 2016 | Posted by admin in GENERAL | Comments Off on Diseases of the Eye Full access? Get Clinical Tree
