Non-infectious causes for feline conjunctivitis include eosinophilic conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, hypersensitivity reaction and tear film disorders. Chlamydia infection is seen in cattery situations in which asymptomatic queens carry the infectious agent in the urogenital tract.� If chlamydia is present within a cattery, it may be necessary to treat all adult cats with 5 mg/kg doxycyline twice a day for 30 days to eliminate carriers. Treatment consists of topical tetracycline, chloramphenicol or erythromycin 3-4 times a day for 10-14 days. Polymerase chain reaction is more sensitive for detecting Chlamydia infection than culture. Chlamydia does not affect the cornea.� Intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies may be found during the first 2-9 days after the onset of clinical signs.
Formation of conjunctival follicles may be present. Clinical signs of Chlamydia psittaci infection include conjunctival hyperemia and chemosis in one or both eyes. Other infectious causes include salmonella, M. The most common causes for feline conjunctivitis include infection with Chlamydia psittaci, Mycoplasma felis or feline herpes virus 1 infection. ConjunctivitisĬonjunctivitis is a common problem in cats and is usually of infectious origin. Decreasing the amount of light used during the examination usually prevents this problem, but 1% tropicamide may be necessary to dilate the pupil for complete examination of the fundus. Pupillary light reflexes are usually brisk and complete in cats, limiting visualization of deeper intraocular structures. If this doesn�t work, it may be necessary to apply topical anesthetic, such as 0.5% proparacaine, to the cornea, and gently push the third eyelid out of the way with a cotton tip applicator. Limiting restraint to the absolute minimum necessary in combination with avoiding very bright light during the ophthalmic examination will prevent third eyelid protrusion in most cats. Cats have the ability to actively protrude the third eyelid, and prevent visualization of the globe. A few gentle taps on the eyelids prior to repeating the menace gesture will usually solve this problem. Some cats, especially brachycephalic cats, may not respond initially. Many cats will respond with a subtle movement of the upper eyelid only. The menace response is often subtle in cats. We value teamwork and trust with our clients, and we always work diligently to provide exceptional and appropriate care for all of our patients.Alexandra van der Woerdt, DVM, MS, DACVO, DECVOĢ1 examination of a feline patient follows the same principles as ophthalmic examination of the canine patient.� A few differences exist between dogs and cats that present the clinician examining a feline patient with a few unique challenges. Our mission is to provide the highest quality of veterinary eye care with state-of-the-art technology and services for a variety of animal species. Our group offers full-time services, and we are open four weekdays per week for phone calls, appointment scheduling and medication refills. We are also using an electronic checkout payment system via email or text for payment security. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have modified our business hours. We have new services including a Client Portal, Online Pharmacy for Home Delivery and electronic form submissions.
Patients are seen only by referral from a general or specialist veterinarian (see FAQs) as with all other veterinary specialists. *Preserve vision *Provide comfort *Improve quality of life We believe that communication and education are essential to our goals. We work closely with our clients, their pets and their referring veterinarians to manage their ocular problems. Audrey Yu-Speight was awarded the 2021 Veterinary Medical Specialist of the Year by the Texas Veterinary Medical Association!