Common Animal Eye Conditions

Anterior uveitis is inflammation inside of the eye; affecting the anterior uvea (iris and ciliary body). This disease causes redness, cloudiness, and typically squinting and a decrease in functional vision depending on the severity. Sometimes, especially in severe or untreated cases, it can cause glaucoma (increased pressure within the eye) by limiting the fluid that exits from the eye.

A Ubiquitous Gram-Negative Bacteria with “Apparent” Ocular Manifestations in “Some” Dogs and “Some” Cats

Basement Membrane Disease is a condition in which the epithelium (surface of the cornea) does not adhere properly, and results in chronic, painful, non-healing corneal ulcerations.

An emerging ophthalmic parasite of the Southwestern USA (NM, CO, AZ, UT, NV and southern CA)

Cataracts are opacities (clouding) in the lens which block light and can subsequently decrease an animal’s functional vision, depending on their severity.

Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration (SARD), Immune-Mediated Retinal Detachment Syndrome and Diabetes Mellitus Induced Mature Cataract are common causes of blindness in dogs.

Corneal sequestrations, also known as corneal mummification, corneal necrosis, and corneal nigrum have been reported in the United States and Europe and are a unique disease process affecting the cornea of the domestic cat. The lesions usually develop slowly, are light brown to brown to black in color, and are usually located in the center of one or both corneas.

Ectopic ciliae are hairs (eyelashes) which grow in an abnormal location and direction; emerging from the underside of the upper or lower eyelid and pointing directly toward the eye.

Entropion is a condition in which the eyelids roll in and result in eyelashes and facial hair rubbing against the cornea, which can lead to corneal ulcerations, corneal scarring, discomfort, and impaired vision. 

Exposure Keratopathy Syndrome is a corneal disease that results in brown pigmentation that “grows” across the cornea. This is often concomitant with scar tissue formation and blood vessel infiltration.

Feline Herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) is believed to be the most common cause of ocular disease in cats.  Multiple cat households, catteries, kittens and cats from pet stores, and feral kittens and cats are most prone to develop active FHV-1 as the disease process usually manifests itself in poorly conditioned felines as well as those that are experiencing stressful living conditions. 

Glaucoma is described as an increase in pressure within the eye and if left untreated can cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve.

GRPU is a progressive anterior uveitis, typically affects both eyes, has no gender predilection and affects the Golden Retriever only.

Hypertensive Retinopathy is a condition wherein high systemic blood pressure (hypertension) causes secondary retinal detachments and/or retinal hemorrhages and results in sudden complete or partial blindness. The problem tends to occur most frequently in elderly cats and those with kidney disease.

Immune-Mediated Eosinophilic Keratoconjunctivitis (IMEKC) is a unique syndrome found in cats. A particular type of white blood cell, the eosinophil, normally responds when the body is affected by allergies or parasites.

The iris is the colored part of the eye. In cats, an abnormally pigmented area of the iris may represent either a benign or a malignant lesion. There are two similar-sounding diagnoses that describe iris pigmentation in cats: iris melanosis and iris melanoma.

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, commonly known as “dry eye”, is a condition in which the animal does not produce enough tears and thus cannot adequately lubricate the eyes.

If MGA’s become large enough, they can cause irritation to the cornea and conjunctiva, and may reduce the normal ability to blink.

The naso-lacrimal duct (tear duct) is a passageway connecting the eye to the nose and mouth. Tears produced in the eye normally drain through this duct. There are two openings (puncta) to the duct on each eye; one is located on the upper lid, and the other is on the lower lid.

Immune Mediated Superficial Keratitis or Pannus is most commonly seen in German Shepherds, though other breeds such as Greyhounds and Border Collies can be affected. 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an inherited disease which occurs in many canine breeds, including the Labrador Retriever, Australian Cattle Dog (Blue and Red Heelers), and mixed dogs.

Prolapsed Gland of the Nictitating Membrane (PGNM) or Cherry Eye is most commonly seen in English Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, and Beagles and occasionally in certain feline breeds such as Burmese, Himalayan, and Persians.

Proptosis is a forward displacement of the eyeball such that the animal can no longer blink over the eye. The condition occurs most frequently in breeds with prominent eyes such as Pug, Lhasa Apso, and Pekingese, although it can occur in other species such as cats, horses, and exotics.

SCC is a form of skin cancer that affects the outer layer of skin cells. Ophthalmologically, it can develop in the eyelid margins, the third eyelid (nictitating membrane), or the cornea. It is the most common type of malignant eyelid tumor found in horses, cattle and cats.

In SARD, the retina is damaged rapidly (i.e. a matter of days) and results in an incurable loss of vision.