Asthma, Feline

by | Mar 29, 2024 | Heart/Lungs

Asthma, Feline

By Dr. Karen Burgess

What is feline asthma?
Feline Asthma is an airway condition in cats that in its worst forms can be life-threatening. Also known as allergic or obstructive lung disease, feline asthma has symptoms that closely resemble those of human bronchitis.

What causes feline asthma?
There is not one exclusive cause for asthma in cats. It is typically an abnormal response or sensitivity to an airborne agent, bacteria/virus, or parasites. This then sets off a cascade of inflammation in the lungs which ultimately leads to constriction or narrowing of the small airways, buildup of mucous in the airways, cough, and difficulty breathing. Asthmatic cats can then become more susceptible to secondary bacterial lung infections or even emphysema (air trapped in the lungs/overinflated lungs).

What are risk factors for developing asthma in cats?
Siamese, middle aged (two to eight years of age), and overweight cats may have a higher incidence.

What are symptoms of asthma?
Coughing or difficulty breathing are the primary symptoms associated with asthma. Often owners may mistake vomiting for coughing as they can look very similar. A good way to differentiate is that a cough will typically not have food or bile expelled. It may however appear as though a pet is swallowing after a cough. Youtube is another good resource for seeing examples of cats coughing (search for “cat cough”). Other signs or asthma include inappetance, vomiting, sneezing, and a squatting/neck extended stance while coughing. If a cat is open mouth breathing for any reason it is considered a medical emergency.

How does asthma get diagnosed?
Radiographs or x-rays of the lungs are typically taken to diagnose asthma. Evidence of inflammation on films along with consistent clinical signs is even more convincing. Additional diagnostics may include blood work, heartworm testing, feline leukemia/AIDS testing, and fecal parasite exam. A lavage or wash of the airways can also be used to identify specific cells in the airway.

What is the treatment for feline asthma?
Corticosteroids (steroids) are the common treatment modality for asthma. Available orally and via an inhaler, steroids reduce inflammation. While it can take time and patience to desensitize a cat to an inhaler device (similar to ones used for children), this form of steroid has less systemic side effects and is preferred for long term use. In some cases bronchodilators (oral or inhaled) can also be of benefit. In emergency situations sedation and oxygen may be necessary to stabilize a cat in crisis.

What is the prognosis with feline asthma?
While there is no cure, asthma can typically be managed and not affect quality or quantity of life. For cats that are in a crisis the condition can however be life-threatening within minutes to hours.

What other resources are available?
The website provides a wealth of knowledge on feline asthma. Yahoo also has several groups dedicated to this condition.

Nuclear Sclerosis

by | Mar 29, 2024 | Eyes

Nuclear Sclerosis

Nuclear/Lenticular Sclerosis

By Dr. Karen Burgess

What is nuclear or lenticular sclerosis?
Nuclear or lenticular sclerosis is the normal aging process of the lens. The lens is a transparent structure within the eye that bends light and reflects images to brain’s visual center or retina. Over time the lens stays the same size but becomes harder as more fibers are continually laid down within.

Why do dogs develop nuclear sclerosis?
Nuclear or lenticular sclerosis is a normal aging process of the eyes.

What does a nuclear sclerosis look like?
Most owners will notice a symmetrical gray blue haze to the eyes often easier to see from the side than the front. Sometimes nuclear sclerosis can be confused with cataracts which are more opaque and white in nature. Cataracts represent a more serious condition that affects vision.

Does nuclear sclerosis affect vision?
Typically nuclear sclerosis does not significantly impact vision. Some owners may notice change in depth perception or seeing items close up. Additionally as the normal retina ages, night vision may become more difficult.

What are treatment options for nuclear sclerosis?
There is no treatment for nuclear sclerosis indicated or necessary.

Dry Eye (KCS)

by | Mar 29, 2024 | Eyes

Dry Eye (KCS)

KCS (Kertaoconjunctivitis Sicca)

By Dr. Karen Burgess

What is a KCS or dry eye?
KCS, otherwise known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dry eye, is a condition of decreased tear production. The eye has several associated glands that produce tears. Tears are necessary to remove foreign substances or debris and to keep the eye lubricated. With decrease in tear production, the eye can become dry leading to irritation and increased discharge surrounding the eyes.

Why do dogs develop KCS?
The most common cause of KCS in dogs is an autoimmune related disease. With immune system disease, the body starts inappropriately attacking something that is normal, in this case the tear producing cells. There may be a genetic predisposition to the development of KCS and many breeds are thus predisposed. Other potential causes of dry eye include a reaction to particular medications or hypothyroidism. Sometimes tear production will appear decreased due to inflammation in other parts of the eye; once the underlying disease is addressed the tear production may return to normal in these cases. Lastly there is a neurologic cause that typically causes a very dry nose on the associated side of the face with the diseased eye.

What does a KCS look like?
Owners may first notice increased ocular discharge with KCS. The eyes may be painful demonstrated as squinting, holding the eyes shut, or excessive blinking. Over time, dogs with KCS are more prone to developing corneal ulcers and scarring which often appears as black pigment on the cornea.

How is KCS diagnosed?
A Schirmer Tear Test (STT) is used to diagnose dry eye. This test involves placing a small strip of test paper under the eyelid and quantifying the amount of tears produced over a minute time. Previous application of any eye medication or drop can affect results of the STT. Additional testing may be done to evaluate the cornea for damage (fluorescein staining), to evaluated intraocular pressure (looking for associated glaucoma), and to evaluate the quality of tears being produced.

What are treatment options for KCS?
The first goal of treatment for dry eye is to replace tears artificially allowing protection of the delicate cornea. This is done by administering a topical tear replacer that is often applied every few hours throughout the day (the more the better). The second goal of treatment is to stimulate the body’s natural production of tears. Tacrolimus and cyclosporine are the most commonly used medications for this and are applied topically at least twice daily. These medications are often compounded or specifically made by the pharmacist for a specific pet. General hygiene is also important, gently wiping the face and eye area to help prevent buildup of debris. Ultimately there is surgery available to treat dry eye if topicals are not an option, but this is not without the possibility of complications.

What is the prognosis with KCS?
With the medications currently available dogs with KCS have a good prognosis for returning to a normal comfortable eye. It is important to understand that treatment is life-long and cure is not expected.

Corneal Ulcer

by | Mar 29, 2024 | Eyes

Corneal Ulcer

Corneal Ulcer/Erosion

By Dr. Karen Burgess

What is a corneal ulcer?
The cornea is the clear surface of the eye (where a contact lens is placed in humans). This window to the eye contains several very thin layers of cells. A corneal abrasion or erosion occurs when the most superficial layer of cells (epithelial cells) are damaged. Lesions that affect the epithelium and the deeper stroma are called corneal ulcers. If the final and deepest layer of the cornea (Descemet’s membrane) of the cornea is also affected permanent loss of vision and collapse of the eye may occur.

What causes corneal ulcers?
Corneal ulcers are typically caused by external trauma, foreign bodies, chemical irritants such as shampoo, or self-inflicted trauma (example pet scratching or rubbing eye). Some breeds are also predisposed to decreased tear production which can dry out the cornea leading to erosions.

What are symptoms of corneal erosions/ulcers?
Corneal lesions are usually very painful. In an effort to relieve associated itchiness and discomfort, pets will often rub the affected eye against the ground, against furniture, or with their paws. The eye will often be held closed, be more sensitive to light, and appear red. Drainage may also be present.

How do you test for a corneal ulcer?
Your veterinarian will apply a fluorescein stain (eye drop) that will effectively highlight any damage to the cornea. Testing for adequate tear production may also be performed.

What is the treatment for corneal ulcers?
The severity of the corneal lesion will determine treatment. In severe cases referral to an ophthalmologist may be necessary for surgery in an attempt to save vision. In milder cases topical eye medications, lubricants, and pain medicine may be prescribed. Atropine drops may also be used to dilate the eye thus helping with discomfort. If atropine is prescribed the dilation will last for several days beyond treatment and will cause light sensitivity. An Elizabethean collar will also be necessary to help prevent any further self-trauma to the eye. In uncomplicated cases the cornea will tend to heal in just a few days. A recheck of the eye should be performed two to three days after initiation of treatment to ensure improvement. Be aware that pets may taste any medications applied to the eye due to tear ducts which drain into the mouth. This may cause drooling or pawing at the mouth after eye medication application. Topical anesthetics are not recommended to treat ulcers as they can hinder healing. If your pet is more uncomfortable after application of eye meds, contact your veterinarian; in some situations a pet may be sensitive to a particular product.

Cherry Eye, Canine

by | Mar 29, 2024 | Eyes

Cherry Eye, Canine

Conjunctivitis (Cherry Eye)

By Dr. Karen Burgess

What is a “cherry eye” technically?
A cherry eye or “haw” as it is often called occurs when a dog’s third eyelid gland prolapses or pops out. The third eyelid is the pink fleshy tissue seen toward the middle of the lower eyelid. Instead of moving up and down like upper and lower eyelids, the third eyelid moves from side to side, or from nose to ear. The third eyelid serves as an extra layer of protection for the eye. The gland of the third eyelid that is affected by cherry eye produces an important portion of the eye’s protective tear film.

Why do dogs develop cherry eye?
The third eyelid gland is normally firmly attached to the lower portion of the eye. For unknown reasons, in particular in some breeds, there is weakening of this attachment causing it to pop out. Over time, the now malpositioned gland becomes inflamed and swollen, making it more difficult for it to stay in its proper position.

What does a cherry eye look like?
What most owners notice with a cherry eye is a red swollen mass like appearance protruding from on the nose side of the eye. Cherry eye is typically not painful. They can vary in size and in some cases will come and go.

What are treatment options for cherry eye?
Definitive treatment involves surgically tacking the prolapsed third eyelid gland back in place. This surgery involves a high degree of technical skill for best chances of success and should be performed by and ophthalmologist (veterinarian that has received advanced training in ocular disease and surgery). There is another surgical procedure that involves removing or amputating the third eyelid gland. This is not recommended and can lead to lifelong complications with tear production and thus a potentially painful and non-visual eye. In some cases, use of a topical steroid and gentle external massage can pop the proptosed gland back in place. In some milder cases this can be done at home by owners as needed for temporary control.

What is cherry eye’s prognosis?
With surgical treatment performed by an ophthalmologist the prognosis is good. In some cases (up to 20%) additional surgery may be required, thus making it that much more important to have a skilled person doing the surgery from the beginning. Untreated cherry eye can eventually damage the cornea, affect vision, and become painful for the pet.