Rover Eye

24/11/2023

Corneal ulcers, common in pugs due to their prominent eyes, are painful sores on the eye’s surface. These ulcers can result from scratches, foreign objects or eye infections. Pug owners must seek immediate veterinary care upon noticing symptoms like excessive blinking, redness or discharge as initial signs. Timely treatment is crucial to prevent complications and ensure their beloved pet’s eye health.

These two photos are from two pug babies who suffered from corneal ulcers. Left side pictures are from the initial presentation and Right side pictures show a healing stage of the ulcer.

24/05/2023

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a condition that is also commonly referred to as dry eye. The medical term means inflammation of the cornea and surrounding tissues from drying. It is a common eye condition resulting from inadequate production of the aqueous portion of the tear film by the lacrimal gland and/or gland of the third eyelid.

Any condition that impairs the ability to produce adequate amounts of tear film can result in dry eye. Some of the common causes of KCS include:
* Immune-mediated diseases that damage the tear producing glands. This is the most common cause of KCS.
* Systemic diseases such as canine distemper virus infections.
* Medications
* Hypothyroidism.
* Nervous system effects (neurogenic KCS).

KCS can be misdiagnosed as bacterial conjunctivitis. So the patient improves while treating with antibiotics but the clinical signs reappear days or weeks after the discontinuation of the treatment. The condition progresses to severe corneal opacities and lately to blindness.
Even though condition get cured with required treatment plan, in some cases like immune-mediated KCS, you have to continue the treatment for a long duration or even lifetime.
♥️🐶

20/05/2023

"Puppy", a four year- old mixed breed dog was presented to the Rover Veterinary Hospital ( RVH) with a chronic bilateral ocular issue. On examination, the right eye had an impaired vision attributed to corneal oedema while the left eye had a complete vision loss. Apparently, Puppy was very lethargic and had reduced appetite on the first day of presentation. General check-up including a full bood count (FBC) was carried out as part of the complete ophthalmic examination.
FBC indicated pancytopenia. Upon ruling out other differentials for pancytopaenia Puppy's condition was diagnosed as immune mediated pancytopaenia. Keeping in mind that his ocular conditions were also would have been a result of immune mediated pancytopenia, the specific eye conditions were diagnosed as bilateral immune mediated uveitis with pigmentary keratitis. In addition, the left eye which had vision loss had glaucoma. In- house treatment was initiated and continued to tackle these conditions. With two weeks of continuous treatment and appropriate mangement, the vision of his right eye was restored completely while the condition of the left eye remained the same probably due to its chronicity. The WBC and platelet counts became normal and the Hct was rising gradually (from 7% - 20%) and Puppy is still under the care of RVH team.
However, now Puppy is a one happy fur baby who could see the world even with one eye! ♥️🐶

15/05/2023

Uveitis is a painful condition, and some cats with uveitis will paw at the sore eye while others will avoid any touch. A cat with uveitis may keep the affected eye shut or may squint or blink excessively. Most cats will avoid bright lights (photophobia).

If the anterior uvea is involved in the inflammation, the eye may appear cloudy; the cloudiness may be due to fluid leaking into the cornea or to an accumulation of protein or cells in the anterior chamber of the eye.
There are several causes that can cause anterior uveitis;

-infections; including viral, bacterial, parasitic or fungal
-metabolic disease (such as diabetes)
-high blood pressure
-toxins
-immune mediated
-trauma to the eye
-lens damage resulting in the leakage of lens protein
-eye tumors

Below three patients had the condition due to the traumas happened during cat fights! 🐱
So need to be very careful when planning the treatments to an eye with both uveitis and corneal ulcer.

11/05/2023

A corneal sequestrum is a part of the cornea which has died off (necrosis). This is predominately observed in cats.
Corneal sequestra are usually pigmented in different shades of brown and may vary in appearance from subtle bronze staining to very obvious dark plaques. In some patients, blood vessels grow into the cornea in response to the sequestrum and a reddish rim may surround the pigmented plaque.
In many affected patients, their tears will also be darkly pigmented and brown to black discharge may crust on the eyelids.
The cause is unknown, but previous corneal ulceration, eyelid malformation, or feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) infection may be predisposing factors. Early recognition of clinical signs and prompt treatment may slow the progression of tissue damage and minimize the need for surgical intervention.

Reshi needed the surgical intervention as the medical treatment only could not help the condition.

Follow up image is after 3 months from the surgery 🐱

21/02/2022

Entropion in dogs is an abnormality in which the animal’s eyelids are rolling towards the inside of the eye. This causes the eye lashes and hair on the eyelid to rub against the cornea of ​​the eye. This cause pain, corneal ulcers, perforations or even the development of pigments. All this can interfere with their vision. Entropion as a primary disease that’s genetically inherited at birth or as a secondary disease affecting dogs at any point of their lives. Drego came to us with a severe demodicosis condition which has led to periocular dermatitis. With that, his eyelids got oedematous and eventually it led to severe entropion condition. On the other hand, as an American bully Drego has a chance of developing inherited entropion. This entropion led to chronic non-specific keratitis and Drego was in severe discomfort back then.
Medications helped him to get rid of the discomfort and on-going
inflammation. But Entropion requires surgery to be treated. The surgery involves removing the extra skin surrounding the eyelids to tighten them back to a normal anatomical position.

28/01/2022

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a condition that is also commonly referred to as dry eye. It is a common eye condition resulting from inadequate production of the aqueous portion of the tear film by the lacrimal gland and/or gland of the third eyelid. Any condition that impairs the ability to produce adequate amounts of tear film can result in dry eye. Hypothyroidism is one of the metabolic diseases that lead to less tear production.
Jackie is 8 years old Labrador patient who has suffered with KCS for a long time. Referring vet has given steroid eye drop in order to minimize the on going inflammation. But the condition has recurred again. During the RVH visit with the STT and TFBUT results, condition was diagnosed as KCS. With further testing cause was identified as Hypothyroidism. Endocrinologic KCS is a common condition in dogs. Other than hypothyroidism, diabetes and hyperadrenocorticism can cause KCS in dogs. We sent the ocular discharge sample for culturing and the results showed development of a bacterial infection too. Treatments were done accordingly.

27/01/2022

17/01/2022

Conjunctivitis is a relatively common infection of the mucous membrane which covers your dog's eye and eyelids called the ‘conjunctiva or more commonly known as 'pink eye'.
This condition in dogs can be caused by a number of issues including: allergies, irritation from foreign bodies, viral infections, tumors in the eye region, tear film deficiency, abnormalities of the eye, obstructed tear ducts, parasitic infections, injury to the eye, or an underlying eye condition such as glaucoma, ulcerative keratitis, or anterior uveitis.
Princess developed this eye complaint suddenly just an hour before the presentation. There was chemosis- conjunctival swelling here but no intraocular pathology visible although the intraocular pressure is 32mmhg. It’s a bit tricky to know quite what the problem is but as there is construction working going on where the dog lives, there is a possibility of having physical or chemical trauma. After the proper treatment she got rid of her “Pink eye”.
The best treatment for your dog's conjunctivitis will depend upon the underlying cause of the condition. Following a thorough eye examination your vet will determine the cause and the best treatment for your dog.

10/01/2022

Glaucoma occurs when an imbalance in production and drainage of fluid in the eye (aqueous humor) causes a build-up of fluid that increases eye pressure to unhealthy levels. The increased pressure can cause the destruction of the retina and optic disc. Prolonged increases of pressure within the eye can result in enlargement of the eyeball, displacement of the lens, and breaks in a membrane of the cornea. Pain usually shows itself as behavioral changes and occasional pain around the eye rather than by spasmodic winking.
This is Cookie who was having primary glaucoma for a year without proper treatment. When cookie was presented to the RVH, initial intraocular pressure was 86mmhg in diseased eye. And this long term glaucoma condition has led to secondary lens luxation. Luckily it was a posterior lens luxation where it rarely causes discomfort. Right now, patient is having normal IOP with the medical treatment. But the vision could not reverse due to the long term damages to the retina and optic disc.

10/01/2022

What does cloudy eyes in dogs mean? Cloudy eyes indicates there is a problem with the internal structure of the eye. In some cases it is common with age (endothelial dystrophy or age-related endothelial degeneration), others may occur suddenly such as after an injury or as an inflammation.
“July” was presented to us with a right eye related diffuse corneal oedema. Pressure in the eye was lower than normal which is suggestive of ciliary body inflammation (decrease of aqueous production leading to a decrease in IOP). Schirmer tear test value was within normal ranges. As the puppy was not completed his vaccination, checked for canine distemper virus (which can lead to uveitis) and it came negative.
During fluorescein had dye uptake in the mid cornea which indicating a corneal injury.
So, we started to treat diffuse corneal edema due to a penetrating corneal injury along with cyclitis. Treatment plan was bit critical due to the injury in mid cornea. However finally July was able to have a clear cute eye while having her vision back.

13/10/2021

“Smart pets should have better eyes”

“Rover Eye” Veterinary Ophthalmology Services are here to help you! 🐶🐱


Our mission is to provide the highest level of eye care for your pet🐶👓🐱

Our Services
Comprehensive Ophthalmic exams
• Panoptic ophthalmoscopy
• Tonometry (intraocular pressure measurement)
• Slit Lamp exam
• Schirmer tear test
• Fluorescein stain
• Cytology
Ophthalmic emergency services
Ophthalmic surgeries

~We also provide online consultation with a Veterinary Ophthalmology specialist from University of Cambridge, UK for second opinions~

Something Is Wrong With Your Pet’s Eye? Schedule An Appointment with Rover Eye.
Call us on
Reception 0112076070
Dr Naduni 0769641478
Dr Eranda 0778681166

09/10/2021

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a relatively common condition in dogs. Although KCS can be diagnosed readily with a thorough ophthalmic examination, the diagnosis is often overlooked. KCS is an inflammatory condition of the cornea and conjunctiva, secondary to a deficiency of the precorneal tear film (PTF). KCS is categorized by tear film deficiency:
• Quantitative KCS
• Qualitative KCS
Tear film deficiencies lead to:
• Chronic inflammation of the ocular surface secondary to increased surface friction
• Secondary infection
• Dehydration and malnutrition of the corneal and conjunctival epithelium.
This latter combination makes ulcerations more prone to infection, possibly resulting in keratomalacia and perforation.
Chronic surface irritation results in:
• Conjunctival hyperemia
• Squamous metaplasia of the surface epithelium
• Hyperkeratinization of the surface epithelium
• Thickening of the corneal epithelium.
KCS is diagnosed after consideration of:
History
Clinical signs
Ophthalmic Examination
STT values

Clinical Signs of KCS

• Thick, adherent mucopurulent discharge
• Conjunctivitis
• Blepharospasm
• Dry, lusterless corneal appearance
• Ulcerative keratitis, ranging from superficial ulcers to perforations
• Corneal pigmentation, neovascularization, and/or keratinization

Primary medical therapy of both quantitative and qualitative KCS consists of tear stimulants and tear replacements. Topical antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are also commonly used.
Dogs with KCS may have increased sensitivity to pain associated with topical medications, because abnormal PTF cannot provide a reflex dilution effect.
In most patients with KCS, topical therapy is required indefinitely. Clients should be educated about the chronicity of KCS and the necessity of lifelong therapy.
After 3 to 6 months of medical therapy with no response, surgical treatment for KCS can be considered. Surgery is not always successful and, even when it is, patients often need ongoing topical therapy.

09/10/2021

The term "cherry eye" refers to the prolapse of the third eyelid gland. Many mammals, including dogs, have a third or "extra" eyelid located inside the lower eyelid. This acts as an additional layer of protection for the eye. A gland in the third eyelid produces a significant portion of the tear film. When this gland prolapses or "pops out", the condition is known as "cherry eye".

Prolapse of the third eyelid gland appears as a red swollen mass (named by its resemblance to a cherry) on the lower eyelid. The "cherry eye" may be large and cover a significant portion of the cornea or it may be small and appear only periodically. Any sign of "cherry eye" should be investigated and brought to the attention of your veterinarian as soon as possible.

The breeds most commonly affected include cocker spaniels, bulldogs, beagles, bloodhounds, Lhasa apsos, Shih tzus, and other brachycephalic breeds.

Treatment involves surgical replacement of the third eyelid gland. It is important to treat the condition as soon as possible in order to minimize damage. This is critical because the third eyelid gland produces up to fifty percent of the watery (aqueous) portion of the tear film. Without adequate tear production, your dog is much more likely to develop "dry eye", which can seriously impair vision. Your veterinarian will discuss the appropriate surgical technique that will best suit your pet's condition.

In most cases, the gland returns to normal function within a few weeks of surgery. Some cases may experience a re-prolapse of the third eyelid gland and require additional surgery. Many pets that have a prolapse in one eye will eventually experience a prolapse in the opposite eye. Surgical replacement of the third eyelid gland is always the first choice of treatment due to the risk of developing "dry eye" if the gland is lost.

09/10/2021

A cataract describes any opacity of the normally transparent and avascular lens. Cataractogenesis occurs most commonly as a result of hereditary factors; however, it may also result from systemic disease (notably diabetes mellitus), lenticular trauma/inflammation, dietary deficiencies (notably associated with the use of milk replacers), exposure to pharmacologic agents (notably ketoconazole), as a sequela to the retinal atrophies (RAs), and following exposure to therapeutic radiation and chronic exposure to sunlight. Changes may be unilateral or bilateral, symmetrical or asymmetrical. A “hypermature” (or “Morgagnian”) cataract describes a cataract in which the lens cortex has begun to liquefy and resorb. The lens nucleus may sink and the capsule shrink, fibrose, and calcify. Hypermature cataracts typically have a crystalline appearance and are frequently associated with symptoms of chronic uveitis. Variable degrees of tapetal reflectivity and/or visual impairment may be present. Many breeds (and mixed breeds) may be affected by hereditary cataracts and many breed-related features including age of onset and rate of progression are described. Commonly affected breeds include the Boston Terrier, Bichon Frisé, Cocker Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Miniature Schnauzer, Miniature Poodle, and Siberian Husky.

Morgagnian cataract may undergo spontaneous rupture into the anterior chamber causing an inflammatory reaction, which is known as phacoanaphylactic uveitis. Spontaneous rupture of lens capsule may cause secondary glaucoma. It may also be complicated with phacolytic glaucoma when the lens protein leaked through the anterior capsule clogging the trabecular meshwork obstructing the aqueous outflow.

During the presented case we were able to observe high intraocular pressure bilaterally (71mmhg- in right eye and 34mmhg- in left eye), which gives the idea of secondary glaucoma due to hypermature cataract.

09/10/2021

Pigmentary keratopathy/keratitis in the dog is due to pigment migration onto the cornea and is a frequent cause of blindness in the Pug, Shih Tzu and Pekingese.

The cause of pigmentary keratopathy is multifactorial. Corneal irritation from abnormally placed lashes, medial entropion (eyelids rolling in), and nasal fold trichiasis are common. “Dry eye” and/or premature evaporation of tears is almost always present. Pigmentary keratopathy occurs in dogs with shallow orbits and incomplete blinking, especially the Pug. Chronic irritation may permanently alter corneal immunity as well because the pigment migration often progresses to areas of non-irritated cornea if the problem is not addressed.

The pigmentation frequently progresses to cover the central corneal and pupil and eventually interferes with light entering the eye. Many owners are not aware of the problem until the animal becomes visually impaired.

Treatment is directed at halting the progression of pigmentation and correcting the inciting cause.

09/10/2021

Ocular findings in canine lymphoma is a common condition. Uveitis can occur due to neoplastic cells inducing an inflammatory response. Ultrasound examination of the eye and fine-needle aspirates were taken from a selection of superficial lymph nodes, including the submandibular nodes. Aspirates of lymph nodes confirmed large-cell lymphoma.

Below photos belong to A six-year-old male cross breed dog presented with a 2 days ophthalmic history of epiphora, ocular irritation and suddenly bumping into objects. When going through the medical history the patient was able to find out that the animal was having reduced appetite and lethargic for several days and a veterinarian has treated with some palliative drugs. found out that the patient is having generalised lymphadenopathy as all the palpable lymph nodes were enlarged. Therefore, lymph node fine needle aspiration was done to see the cytology. Aspirates of lymph nodes confirmed large-cell lymphoma. Neurological exam was unremarkable excluding ophthalmic findings.

Ophthalmological examination is summarised below. Both eyes were having positive palpebral, dazzle and pupillary reflexes although menace and oculocephalic reflexes are absent bilaterally. Bilateral perilimbal neovascularization, conjunctival hyperaemia and aqueous flare (graded +2 with Slit lamp observation) with mild corneal edema were observed externally. The direct and indirect ophthalmoscope was not able to visualise the inner eye as the posterior chamber was having hyphema condition in both eyes. Schirmer tear test results were normal bilaterally (OD = 16mm/min, OS= 17mm/min) while both eyes showed remarkably high intraocular pressure (OD=66mmhg, OS=71mmhg). Also, both eyes came negative for fluorescein dye test to rule out ulcer conditions. No visible lesions in ocular USS.

09/10/2021

Rover Eye is the Veterinary ophthalmology Service of Rover Veterinary Hospital. Aim of this page is to educate clients and pet owners of Sri Lanka on Ophthalmological conditions of pets. We invite all of you to join and welcome your questions.

“Smart pets should have better eyes”

“Rover Eye” Veterinary Ophthalmology Services is here to help you

Our mission is to provide the highest level of eye care for your pet

Our Services
Comprehensive Ophthalmic exams
• Panoptic ophthalmoscopy
• Tonometry (intraocular pressure measurement)
• Slit Lamp exam
• Schirmer tear test
• Fluorescein stain
• Cytology
Ophthalmic emergency services
Ophthalmic surgeries
We also provide online consultation with a Veterinary Ophthalmology specialist from University of Cambridge, UK for second opinions

Something Is Wrong With Your Pet’s Eye? Schedule An Appointment with Rover Eye.
Call us on
Reception 0112076070
Dr Naduni 0769641478
Dr Eranda 0778681166