Ophthalmic Diseases in Veterinary Medicine

Vocabulary flashcards covering feline ophthalmic diseases including chlamydiosis, FIP uveitis, and corneal scratches based on clinical signs, diagnosis, treatments, and clinical pearls.

Chlamydiosis

An ophthalmic disease in young cats/kittens presenting with unilateral then bilateral conjunctivitis (ocular discharge, redness) with or without concurrent upper respiratory tract infection (nasal discharge, sneezing).

Chlamydophila felis

The etiologic infectious agent responsible for feline chlamydiosis.

FIP Uveitis

An ophthalmic condition in young, purebred cats characterized by systemic signs (anorexia, lethargy), iris color change, keratitic precipitates, and aqueous flare, carrying a poor prognosis.

FIP Uveitis Diagnostic Findings

Ophthalmic exam showing aqueous flare and hyphema, and tonometry showing typically decreased intraocular pressure; difficult to confirm antemortem due to tests indicating exposure to either benign feline coronavirus (FCoV) or mutated FIP-causing coronavirus.

Fluorescein Stain

A diagnostic stain that reveals a bright green delineation on corneal ulcers, used to confirm corneal scratches.

Descemetoceles

Deep corneal scratches that reach Descemet's membrane and characteristically test fluorescein stain negative.

Chlamydiosis Treatment

Systemic doxycycline (using liquid oral suspension to avoid esophagitis and stricture formation) and topical doxycycline, treating all household cats, and cleaning the environment.

FIP Uveitis Treatment

Topical glucocorticoids with or without topical mydriatics ($1\text{c/o}$ atropine sulfate, specified as 1\text{\textpercent} or 1\text{\textperthousand} atropine sulfate).

Corneal Scratches Clinical Signs

Condition presenting with blepharospasm, epiphora, conjunctival hyperemia, and a corneal ulcer stained with fluorescein.

Corneal Scratches Treatment

Topical broad-spectrum antibiotic ointment (avoiding gentamicin as first choice), systemic analgesics (buprenorphine), topical mydriatics, Elizabethan collar, optional autologous serum, and keratectomy/conjunctival graft referral if deep or ruptured.

Autologous Serum

A therapeutic agent used in corneal scratch management specifically for its anticollagenase activity.

Topical Corticosteroids Contraindication

A category of medication that is strictly contraindicated in the presence of corneal scratches.

Jugular Pressure Precaution

An action to avoid during corneal scratch management because it may increase intraocular pressure.