Dr. Amber Labelle is a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist providing eye care for animals.
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Happy Pride, Ottawa! In the words of Marsha P. Johnson, "No Pride for someone of us without liberation for all of us!"
Thank you to our beloved team member, Annika, for the design work on this beautiful graphic. đłď¸âđđłď¸ââ§ď¸
We are delighted to share the latest edition of Veterinary Clinics of North America "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine" edited by Dr. Tina Tran. Our own Dr. Amber Labelle was invited to author a piece entitled "What Does It Mean To Be White In Veterinary Medicine?" You can read that piece below, and access the whole issue through your institution. If you need access to all the articles, feel free to send us an email and we will assist you.
https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1jQVG_4Sb67Eyf
We'd love to hear your thoughts about the article after you read it, and we challenge you to read all the articles in the issue. Every author has brought thoughtful, challenging questions, ideas, and strategies for change to every article!
From our friends :
â***Eastern Equine Encephalitis***
We have had many clients reach out in the last 48 hours in response to the recent diagnosis of EEE in four horses across the Ottawa area. After speaking with a number of professionals we would like to confirm that all four of those cases were either unvaccinated animals, or animals who had been partially vaccinated (ie. given one dose of vaccine without a booster in an appropriate time frame).
The EEE vaccines we currently use provide excellent protection from this disease provided they are administered (and initially boosted) properly and vaccination occurs consistently at 12 month intervals. At this time we are not recommending administration of booster vaccines to regularly vaccinated animals, however animals under three years old may benefit from a 6 month booster. Many of this yearâs foals will also be four months of age or older - vaccination should be scheduled promptly for them to ensure they are protected.
If your horse is unvaccinated, or vaccination history is unknown please contact us to set up an appointment as this disease is fatal with sudden onset and rapid progression.
For further information about this disease, please click on the link below (linked in stories)
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/laboratory-biosafety-biosecurity/pathogen-safety-data-sheets-risk-assessment/eastern-equine-encephalitis.html â
Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a mosquito-borne disease that can present as blindness in addition to other neurological signs. Please ensure your horses are fully vaccinated for this vaccine-preventable disease that is otherwise fatal.
***Eastern Equine Encephalitis***
We have had many clients reach out in the last 48 hours in response to the recent diagnosis of EEE in four horses across the Ottawa area. After speaking with a number of professionals we would like to confirm that all four of those cases were either unvaccinated animals, or animals who had been partially vaccinated (ie. given one dose of vaccine without a booster in an appropriate time frame).
The EEE vaccines we currently use provide excellent protection from this disease provided they are administered (and initially boosted) properly and vaccination occurs consistently at 12 month intervals. At this time we are not recommending administration of booster vaccines to regularly vaccinated animals, however animals under three years old may benefit from a 6 month booster. Many of this year's foals will also be four months of age or older - vaccination should be scheduled promptly for them to ensure they are protected.
If your horse is unvaccinated, or vaccination history is unknown please contact us to set up an appointment as this disease is fatal with sudden onset and rapid progression.
For further information about this disease, please click on the link below:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/laboratory-biosafety-biosecurity/pathogen-safety-data-sheets-risk-assessment/eastern-equine-encephalitis.html
Did you make the correct diagnosis?
Embryology is very important for a deep understanding of the diseases of the eye. When the lens and vitreous are developing while the puppy is in utero, the lens is wrapped in a network of blood vessels called the Tunica Vasculosa Lentis (TVL) and the vitreous is comprised of a network of blood vessels called the Primary Vitreous. This network includes the hyaloid artery, which connects the optic nerve and lens. When the network of blood vessels in the vitreous does not regress correctly and remains in partial or complete form, the condition is termed Persistent Hyperplasticity's Primary Vitreous (PHPV). When the network of blood vessels surrounding the lens does not regress correctly and remains in partial or complete form, the condition is termed Persistent Hyperplastic Tunica Vasculosa Lentis (PHTVL). The two conditions are frequently observed together, and are known as PHPV/PHTVL. Once common in Dobermans, PHPV/PHTVL is now seen in all breeds of dogs but not commonly in many breeds of dogs. The condition ranges from mild (faint fibrosis on the posterior lens capsule) to moderate (persistent hyaloid artery) to severe (cataract, bleeding into the lens, bleeding into the vitreous, blood vessels including hyaloid artery in the vitreous, retinal detachment, blindness).
This dog has PHPV/PHTVL in both eyes. You can see the posterior capsular cataract and a hyaloid artery remnant (the white, worm-looking opacity posterior to the lens). Vitreal hemorrhage was also present on fundic exam.
OFA Companion Animal Eye Registry Exams are recommended for all dogs produced by and used in reputable breeding programs in order to continue to work towards the elimination of blinding, painful, and heritable ocular disease. You can learn more at https://ofa.org/diseases/eye-disease/.
Welcome to Wednesday!
This is the right eye of a 8 month old English Cocker Spaniel. What's your diagnosis?
Did you make the correct diagnosis?
This pug had a conjunctival graft placed for a deep, infected corneal ulcer. In the second image, the white arrows outline where the graft was sutured to the cornea. The red arrow points to the pedicle of the graft. The graft itself and the entire cornea are diffusely pigmented. Pugs, unfortunately, despite being totally perfect creatures who were gifted to humanity to enrich our lives, typically respond to corneal wounding of any type with aggressive pigmentation. Medical management, including immunomodulatory drugs like tacrolimus and corticosteroids, can cautiously be started after a healed corneal wound to try and minimize the pigmentation.
Today is Emancipation Day, which recognizes the 190th anniversary of the day the British Crown officially ended enslavement in its territory and colonies. It is a myth that there was no enslavement of people of African descent in Canada; thousands of people were enslaved, including Indigenous people.
In honor of this history, we are making a public donation of $500 to Parents for Diversity - P4D, an organization that Dr. Amber Labelle has volunteered with and whose mission is to ensure every child's right to an education free from discrimination. P4D has been instrumental in supporting Black families whose children have experienced racism and discrimination in the school system, and helping to educate and empower families to advocate for their children in addition to supporting school boards in developing antiracist, inclusive school environments.
On this Emancipation Day, we encourage our community to reflect on the contributions of Black Canadians and to take action to make material improvements in the conditions of those descended from and living with the legacy of enslavement.
You can support P4D's work here:
Emancipation DayCanada has celebrated Emancipation Day since August 1, 2021. It holds special significance as it marks the day in 1834 when the abolition of slavery was implemented across the British Empire. This Emancipation Day we invite you to participate in our online event aimed at raising fund...
Welcome to Wednesday!
This is the left eye of a 6y MC pug. What's your diagnosis?
From our friends at VSCAN⢠Coming Soon!
Weâre excited to welcome Dr. Colleen Wilson BSc., DVM, Dipl. ACVB to the VSCAN!
Our furry family members definitely enhance our lives. In some cases, though, they may exhibit some behaviours that are  less than ideal .
As the only Veterinary Animal Behaviour Specialist in Eastern Ontario, Dr. Wilson has a unique responsibility to these pet-families.
Her assessment uses information about history, interactions with family and the environment. As a medical professional, her comprehensive consultation will rule out any medical issues contributing to their petâs behaviour.
Individual plans include the most current science-based information proven to help pets and families feel better long-term.
Dr. Wilson is available for behavioural consults at the VSCAN 2300 Carling Avenue, Ottawa starting August 19th
For more information about Dr. Wilsonâs services, helpful resources, or to schedule an appointment:
https://www.colleenwilsonbehaviourvet.com/
We are so excited to have Dr. Colleen Wilson offering board-certified Behavior consultation services in our community!
Coming Soon!
We're excited to welcome Dr. Colleen Wilson BSc., DVM, Dipl. ACVB to the VSCAN!
Our furry family members definitely enhance our lives. In some cases, though, they may exhibit some behaviours that are "less than ideal".
As the only Veterinary Animal Behaviour Specialist in Eastern Ontario, Dr. Wilson has a unique responsibility to these pet-families.
Her assessment uses information about history, interactions with family and the environment. As a medical professional, her comprehensive consultation will rule out any medical issues contributing to their petâs behaviour.
Individual plans include the most current science-based information proven to help pets and families feel better long-term.
Dr. Wilson is available for behavioural consults at the VSCAN 2300 Carling Avenue, Ottawa starting August 19th
For more information about Dr. Wilson's services, helpful resources, or to schedule an appointment:
https://www.colleenwilsonbehaviourvet.com/
There are still a few spots left for this weekendâs OFA clinic with Dr. Amber Labelle. Grab your spot while you still can!
OFA EYE CLINIC
WITH DR. AMBER LABELLE, DVM, MS, DACVO
Presented by the Alaskan Malamute Club of Canada & The Ottawa Valley Pointing Dog Club
$65 Per Dog
Sunday, August 4th 2024
Unleashed Dog Daycare
3500 Fallowfield Rd. , Nepean ON For more information, contact Sam at
[email protected]
Payment must be made in advance via e-transfer to complete registration.
Did you make the correct diagnosis?
This is cytology characteristic of eosinophilic keratitis. It is important to remember that there is usually a mixed population of inflammatory cells, including neutrophils, mast cells, lymphocytes, and basophils.
Dr. Labelle and her husband published a review of eosinophilic keratitis last year. You can send us an email or DM if you'd like a copy!
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0195561622001425
Welcome to Wednesday!
This is cytology from a feline cornea that presents with pink/white corneal opacity, mucoid ocular discharge, and conjunctival hyperemia/chemosis.
What's your (cytologic) diagnosis?
Please note that Dr. Amber Labelle will be away from July 22-July 26th. During that time, referrals will continue to be scheduled and prescriptions will continue to be filled, but you may note slower response times during this period. Teleconsultation services will also be unavailable during this time.
If you are an existing client, we encourage you to check your prescriptions and get your refills in this week for fastest service!
Did you make the correct diagnosis?
We aren't sure if we did or not!
This is most likely a very unusual form of iris atrophy. This presumptive diagnosis is supported by a slowly progressive nature of the change in the iris, the age of the patient, and the slit lamp appearance that revealed a thin iris stroma.
Has anyone ever seen a feline patient with irises like this?
Welcome to Wednesday!
This is the right eye of a 15y FS DSH (domestic shorthair cat). Both eyes have a similar appearance.
What's your diagnosis?
Did you make the correct diagnosis?
This patient has immune-mediated keratitis (IMMK). IMMK is a rare disease of the horse eye that affects the cornea. IMMK has several forms and is generally classified according to which layer(s) of the cornea are involved. Epithelial/superficial stromal, midstromal, deep stromal/endothelial forms are all recognized. This case is the midstromal form of IMMK. IMMK is typically unilateral and one of the hallmarks of the condition is the striking lack of uveitis or discomfort associated with a significant keratitis.
Because IMMK is not well-understood, there is no one single cure or treatment. The goal of treatment is to preserve vision and comfort. Keratectomy and topical therapy have been shown to be effective in treating this condition.
Welcome to Wednesday!
This is the right eye of a 7y warmblood gelding. He presents to you with a history of progressive corneal opacity with minimal evidence of ocular pain.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
BLVEC is proudly Canadian-owned and run. On this Canada Day, we acknowledge and are continually learning more about the history of Canada (the recent episode on Treaty 6 is a must-listen). Our responsibility as settlers on unceded and unsurrendered Algonquin Anishinaabe territory doesnât end with learning. It continues with rectifying historical and ongoing harm and restoration of Indigenous sovereignty and relationship building. If you are downtown, please visit and if you cannot, donate directly to . Shame doesnât build a better world; reparations, land back, and learning to be a better relation does.
Did you make the correct diagnosis?
This patient has neurogenic KCS. Ipsilateral dry nares helps cement this diagnosis, although not all patients with neurogenic KCS will have a dry nares.
Treatment includes parasympathomimetics such as pilocarpine administered topically (0.1% solution) or orally. Generous use of lubricants are critical for patient comfort, and topical lacrimostimulants can be helpful not for their lacrimostimulant properties but for reducing keratitis and corneal scarring. Surgical therapies like parotid duct transposition are also indicated for cases that are refractory to medical management. Identifying and treating any underlying cause (including otitis) is also a critical part of managing this form of KCS.
Welcome to Wednesday!
This is the right eye of a 11y FS cocker spaniel who presents for "chronic eye and nose infection" that has been "unresponsive to multiple antibiotics".
What's your diagnosis? What are the treatment options?
It is HOT out there, y'all! Be safe with yourselves and your horses.
Want to understand how horses accumulate and dissipate heat?
Here's a good overview (free article)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10267279/
Heat stress in horses: a literature review.
Kang H, Zsoldos RR, Sole-Guitart A, Narayan E, Cawdell-Smith AJ, Gaughan JB.
Int J Biometeorol. 2023 Jun;67(6):957-973
Did you make the right diagnosis?
This case presents with a history of glaucoma, on topical dorzolamide/timolol and latanoprost, and an IOP of 86mmHg.
On clinical examination, there is moderate conjunctival hyperemia, mild scleral injection, dense perilimbal vascularization, mild diffuse corneal edema, and a markedly dyscoric pupil with thinning of the iris nasally, posterior synechiae nasally.
Latanoprost induces intense miosis in dogs, but elevated IOP induces mydriasis. In this case, the marked dyscoria is likely caused by the formation of posterior synechiae when the latanoprost induced some miosis, but the persistence of elevated IOP and now mydriasis. This dog also has some peripupillary iris atrophy, which is why the iris looks thin and translucent nasally.
Unfortunately this patient did not respond to medical therapy, and enucleation was the recommended therapy. Histopathology confirmed primary glaucoma.
When evaluating pupil shape and size, a myriad of factors need to be considered, including IOP, ocular medications, ambient lighting conditions, and concurrent ocular disease.
No one, and we mean NO ONE, is as cool as Duck!
Welcome to this week's Wednesday!
This is the left eye or a 7y MC Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. The patient arrives with a diagnosis of glaucoma and being treated with latanoprost and dorzolamide/timolol OS. What abnormalities do you see in this photograph? What diagnostics are warranted in this patient?
We will be closed on Thursday, June 13 - Friday, June 14 while Dr. Labelle attends the International Equine Ophthalmology Consortium meeting. We will return to the clinic on Monday, June 17th.
Please reach out to your primary care veterinarian or your local emergency clinic if you are an existing client with an eye emergency. Capital City Specialty & Emergency Animal Hospital is our recommended location for eye emergencies.
For those navigating loss and grief, please see link to webinar below.
is a special day dedicated to remembering and honouring beloved pets who have passed away. Today, the College sends positive thoughts and healing to those who have lost a special furry, scaly, or feathery friend. We value the veterinary teams who bring compassion and professionalism at a challenging time.
If youâre grieving the loss of a pet, join our upcoming webinar for help navigating grief. Register for the event on June 19th, at 12 pm: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__28CLMrYS7CrQh4SBiINnw
Did you make the correct diagnosis?
This is a piece of fungus obtained from cytology of ulcerated equine cornea. Fungal organisms associated with keratitis are difficult to definitively identify via cytology. Fungal culture is often of limited use in individual cases due to the prolonged time between sample collection and results, however when used regularly can be used to establish local and regional patterns of disease. PCR provides more rapid results and can be more useful in directing therapy for individual cases.
In this case, the spore-like structures arranged in a ball at the tip of the fungal hyphae in the upper right corner of the image is suggestive of the fruiting body of Aspergillus spp.
When cytology samples are obtained in normal equine environments, the possibility of environmental contamination of the slide must be considered. Lack of inflammation, a single visible organism, and the clinical appearance of the cornea are all factors that might suggest environmental contamination. Because fungal keratitis can be a devastating condition of the equine cornea, an abundance of caution and aggressive therapy is recommended in all cases of equine fungal keratitis.
This is a relatively unusual-looking fungal organism. Have you ever seen one that looks like this?
Welcome to Wednesday.
This is a cytology sample from a 17y Warmblood mare.
What's your diagnosis?
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Occasionally vision tests for cats also work for pugs!
Welcome to #WhatsYourDiagnosis Wednesday! What form of nystagmus is present in this video and what does it typically signify?
Taking excellent eye photos of horses doesn't have to be time consuming or expensive! 1. Get as close as you can get while still keeping the eye in focus. If your phone has macro mode (usually a flower shaped logo V), use the macro mode. Macro = good focus on close up, small things. 2. Turn the flash on. This gives you the best lighting. 3. Hold your hand as still as you can while taking the photo! This helps your phone focus. Steady your hand on the horse's head so you're balanced and still. 4. If you're short like Dr. Labelle, get a step stool!
Taking excellent eye photos of horses doesn't have to be time consuming or expensive! 1. Get as close as you can get while still keeping the eye in focus. If your phone has macro mode (usually a flower shaped logo V), use the macro mode. Macro = good focus on close up, small things. 2. Turn the flash on. This gives you the best lighting. 3. Hold your hand as still as you can while taking the photo! This helps your phone focus. Steady your hand on the horse's head so you're balanced and still. 4. If you're short like Dr. Labelle, get a step stool!
Dr. Amber Labelle will be away Monday, August 21st through Friday, August 25th. - If you are a small animal primary care veterinarian, you can submit referrals using the referral form on our website, and they will be scheduled by City View Animal Hospital. - If you are an equine veterinarian, you can submit referrals during this time and they will be scheduled on Monday, August 28th. - If you are a current client who needs medication refills, please complete the prescription refill request on our website and allow 72 hours for the request to be fulfilled. - If you are an existing client with an emergency, please contact your primary care veterinarian or your nearest emergency clinic. Emergency specialty eye care is available at Capital City Specialty and Emergency Animal Hospital (613-244-7387). We look forward to connecting with you on our return. Team Bright Light
We love a confident cat strut!
Welcome to #WhatsYourDiagnosis Wednesday. What PLR abnormality is present in this video?
We are delighted to share that in 2023 Bright Light Veterinary Eye Care is getting a NEW VIEW! Beginning in January 2023, Dr. Amber Labelle will be seeing cases at City View Animal Hospital. Dr. Labelle is delighted to join the City View team. The compassionate and professional staff will provide superb support and care for our ophthalmology patients. Conveniently located with ample parking and a gorgeous hospital, City View is going to be a wonderful new home for our ophthalmology services. We are looking forward to a seamless transition, and look for more information in the coming days. Veterinarians can refer patients via our web referral form at https://www.brightlightvet.ca/referral-form/
We've gotten some fantastic feedback on the "Foundations of Small Animal Ophthalmology" course that Dr. Amber Labelle created for Obi Veterinary Education. "The small chunks of learning are good for at home...I have [young kids] so CE is hard to add in". This feedback captures the beauty of the microlesson concept. Instead of sitting for a 50 minute lecture, you can learn in bite size pieces. This has been shown to improve comprehension and retention, so you can take what you've learned back into the clinic. Here's a sneak preview of Course 4 Diagnosing the Cornea by Color. This certificate includes four courses: - Seeing the Big Picture (ophthalmic anatomy and examination tactics) - Welcome to the Cornea (simple corneal ulcers) - Deeper into the Cornea (complicated corneal ulcers) - Diagnosing the cornea by color You can register for the RACE-approval pending "Foundations of Small Animal Ophthalmology" course here: https://obivet.com Money is tight right now, and 4 hours of CE for $75 CDN ($60 USD) is a great bargain. Dr. Labelle loves ophthalmology and can't wait to share that love with you!
Did you make the correct diagnosis? This week's #WhatsYourDiagnosis challenge is a video of a canine patient demonstrating an absence of normal physiologic nystagmus. Normally as the head is moved horizontally you should see smooth, rapid, horizontal saccades, a rapid flicking of the eye horizontally. The absence of physiologic nystagmus indicates a peripheral vestibular lesion. Middle and inner ear disease can cause a peripheral vestibular neuropathy.
Welcome to #WhatsYourDiagnosis Wednesday! Watch the video; what abnormality is present this 6y MC bulldog mix? #BrightLightVet
Every day is a good day for more video of the cutest kitten in the world currently in care of Ottawa Kitten Rescue.
We hope you love watching this joyful little kitten from Ottawa Kitten Rescue as much as we did!
We hope your Friday is as tasty as the treat this clever, adorable patient can catch! (Best vision assessment technique ever!) #BrightLightVet #TGIF
Finally pulled together some thoughts on Roe v Wade.
Did you make the correct diagnosis? This canine patient is receiving a diamond burr debridement for the treatment of indolent corneal ulcer. This therapy has been demonstrated to be safe and effective for the treatment of indolent ulcers in dogs (also called Superficial Chronic Corneal Epithelial Defects or SCCEDs). Did you know that Dr. Labelle, along with collaborators Dr. Ally Darrow (Gosling) and Dr. Carrie Breaux, authored the very first clinical report of the use of diamond burr debridement for treatment of indolent ulcers in dogs? "Management of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs) in dogs with diamond burr debridement and placement of a bandage contact lens" was published in 2013 in the medical journal Veterinary Ophthalmology. Dr. Labelle is available for treatment of indolent ulcers using diamond burr debridement and other techniques. Debridement in the majority of patients is completed using topical anesthesia alone with no sedation or anesthesia necessary. #WhatsYourDiagnosis
Welcome back to #WhatsYourDiagnosis Wednesday. Here is a short video of a procedure that Dr. Labelle performs weekly. What is the name of the procedure, and for what condition is indicated in canine patients?
Bright Light Veterinary Eye Care remembers the Quebec City Islamic Cultural Centre victims and survivors and denounces the convoy in Ottawa.
It's that time--#WhatsYourDiagnosisWednesday! This is a 12y FS DSH. What cranial nerve abnormality is being demonstrated in this video? #vm23eyes, leave your answer in the comments or in the stories!
Today is our last day of regular operations. We will be unavailable for in-person consultations until January 3rd with limited availability for teleconsultation. Existing clients should contact their primary care DVM or ER clinic with concerns. Happy Solstice and see you in 2022!
VCA Canada Blair Animal Hospital
Shefford Road
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association
Booth Street
Britannia Heights Veterinary Clinic
Carling Avenue
Gloucester Veterinary Hospital
Street Joseph Boulevard
