THE 'PINKEST' EYE: IDENTIFYING AND TREATING PRIMARY CONJUNCTIVITIS IN CATS AND DOGS

摘要

Ocular redness is one of the most common reasons for clients to present their pets for an ophthalmic examination. Conjunctival hyperemia itself, however, represents only a very non-specific clinical sign. The list of differential considerations for conjunctival hyperemia in cats and dogs is long. Abnormalities of eyelid/eyelash conformation, tear deficiencies, uveitis, cataract and lens luxation, and glaucoma are some of the most common primary ocular causes, among an extensive list of others. A thorough history and complete ophthalmic examination are therefore vital to determining a cause. It is also noteworthy that the globe and orbit reside in close anatomical proximity to numerous cranial structures such as the caudal maxillary tooth roots, paranasal sinuses, and nasal cavity and extension of inflammatory disease from any of these sources can result in conjunctival hyperemia. Routine oral examination should be performed and further imaging (dental radiographs, computed tomography) can be pursued if there is any suspicion for disease of an adjacent structure. When no obvious cause is identified, a presumptive diagnosis of primary conjunctivitis is often made.