Conjunctiva and Lacrimal Flashcards
What is the most sensitive test for determining ocular connection to the brain?
Dazzle reflex
What nerves does the palpebral reflex assess?
5 and 7
What nerves does the menace response assess?
2 and 7
What nerves does PLR assess?
2 and 3
What nerves does the dazzle reflex assess?
2 and 7
What does the oculocephalic reflex assess?
Peripheral and central vestibular components
CN 2, 3, 4, 6
What does the corneal reflex assess?
5 and 7
What are the three red eye conditions?
Keratoconjunctivitis
Uveitis
Glaucoma
Define chemosis.
Edema of the conjunctiva
Define conjunctival hyperemia.
Used to describe congestion of the superficial vessels of the conjunctiva, predominance of this finding suggests superficial disease
Define conjunctival lymphoid follicles.
A response to non-specific antigenic stimulation, presence of these follicles anywhere but the bulbar surface of the third eyelid is considered abnormal and consistent with a diagnosis of conjunctivitis
Define conjunctival fornix.
The area where palpebral conjunctiva meets bulbar conjunctiva
Define conjunctivitis.
Inflammation of the conjunctiva exclusively
Define episcleral injection.
Congestion of deep conjunctival vessels, known as episcleral vessels, predominance of this clinical sign suggests deeper disease processes
Define epiphora.
Abnormal overproduction of tears
Define ghost vessels.
Non-perfused corneal blood vessels, these vessel tracks provide evidence of previous keratitis
Define goblet cells.
Present in conjunctival epithelium and produce the innermost mucous layer of the three-layered tear film
Define keratitis.
Inflammation of the cornea, clinical signs include corneal neovascularization (most common), corneal pigmentation, corneal fibrosis, corneal ulceration, and white blood cell infiltration
Define mucoid discharge.
A very common clinical sign with conjunctivitis
Define mucopurulent discharge.
Most commonly found in cases of KCS, due to loss of the aqueous portion of the tear film which then causes mucous overproduction, bacterial overgrowth, and subsequent white blood cell recruitment
Define symblepharon.
Permanent adhesion between the conjunctiva and the cornea
Where is the only place you should find lymphoid tissue in the eye?
Bulbar surface of the third eyelid
What are the clinical signs for allergic conjunctivitis?
Blepharospasm
Epiphora
Mucoid discharge
Hyperemia
Lymphoid follicles (specific sign)
What is the common signalment for allergic conjunctivitis?
Young dogs and/or atopic dogs
How would you treat allergic conjunctivitis?
One of the following:
Steroid (neo-poly-dex)
NSAID (diclofenac)
T-cell inhibitor (optimmune (cyclosporine) takes 6 weeks)
What are the three layers of the tear film?
Oil/lipid - outermost - meibomian glands
Aqueous - middle - lacrimal and gland of third eyelid
Mucinous - innermost - conjunctival goblet cells
What are the three functions of the tear film?
Cleans, nourish, protect
What is the only layer that can be tested? With what?
Aqueous
Schermer tear test
What are the causes of KCS?
Immune mediate destruction (most common)
Excision of the gland of the third eyelid
Drugs (sulfonamides, atropine)
Trauma
Neurogenic (most common unilateral)
Infectious (distemper)
What is the only cause of bacterial conjunctivitis in dogs?
KCS
What is the main clinical sign for KCS?
Mucopurulent discharge
What is the treatment for KCS?
Topical cyclosporine BID for life
What are the effects of cyclosporine?
Suppresses further destruction of lacrimal tissue
Directly stimulates tear production
Anti-inflammatory effects
What are the four objectives for KCS treatment?
Replace the tears
Stimulate more tears
Anti-inflammatory therapy
Temporary antibiotic therapy
When should you recheck for KCS?
4-6 weeks
What else would you see with neurogenic KCS?
Unilateral dry nose
What are the most common causes of feline conjunctivitis in order of prevalence?
Feline herpesvirus keratoconjunctivitis
Chlamydial conjunctivitis
Mycoplasma conjunctivitis
Calicivirus conjunctivitis
