sodamo
Super Star Member
- Joined
- May 20, 2004
- Messages
- 15,753
- Location
- Big Island, HI
- Tractor
- LS XR4140H (Mine) BX2380 (wife’s)
Thanks. There are lots of dog lovers here, so I'll post a link and a section explaining why aggressive treatment is needed. Canine Uveitis - Eye Care for Animals Uveitis must be treated aggressively in order to prevent glaucoma, scarring of the uveal structures, and possibly blindness. Different medications may be used to treat the underlying, original cause of the uveitis and to attempt to control the inflammation itself. Aspirin (not aspirin substitutes) and corticosteroids minimize the inflammatory process. Corticosteroids may be administered by injection under the lid of the eye, by drops in the eye, or as an oral medication, depending on the suspected cause of uveitis. Topical use must be postponed if damage to the corneal surface is present because the corticosteroids prevent healing of the ulcer. If certain systemic diseases are suspected, oral corticosteroids may be postponed until test results become available. Atropine dilates the pupil and helps prevent scarring of the iris. This medication may be contraindicated, however, if glaucoma is present as it may further decrease the drainage of aqueous humor from the eye. Oral and topical antibiotics are employed when a bacterial infection is present in the eye. The first symptom we noticed was a swollen/puffy lower eyelid. So, we thought probably a fly bite or similar. The next day the eye got weepy with excess discharge in the corner, redness in the white of the eye looked like she had been on three-day bender. So, off to our local vet who diagnosed uveitis (an interior infection in the layers of the eye). The local vet is a small operation and they don't have the equipment to measure internal eye pressure, for example. One of Sharon's friends in the Leonberger Mafia had experienced this and her dog lost sight in the infected eye, likely because the treatment was too delayed and not aggressive. She advised if we didn't see improvement in 24 hours, get to an eye specialist. We saw no improvement and the eye now had a bluish cloudy color. I'm glad we went to the specialist. Wallet is $975 less glad mostly due to all the different tests that need to be run to try to identify the infection agent.
Thanks for the info, Dave
That sounds a bit different and far more serious than what ours experience, more of an ulcer(looks like a tiny scratch) right on the pupil. Treated with drops or ointment, but sometimes a combination seems more effective. Common enough our vet will refill the prescription if I call in. Interesting about the aspirin. We have found over the years that a baby aspirin (84mg) is often more effective than the prescription stuff. The coated aspirin does need to be crushed or broken up as dogs will pass the coated pill intact.
David Sent from my iPad Air using TractorByNet
