Retinal Camera

Here are a few examples of conditions that we catch early with our retinal camera:

PRA- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a hereditary disease of the eye that causes blindness.  The retina is the tissue lining the back wall of the inside of the eye and is composed of two classes of photoreceptor cells called rods and cones; the rods function in dim light, and the cones in bright light.  A PRA affected dog begins to have difficulty seeing in dim light, then gradually loses the ability to see in bright light, eventually becoming completely blind.  As the vision fails, the pupils become increasingly dilated, and may take on a shiny or iridescent quality.  When properly trained and managed most dogs can adjust to blindness well.

Retinal Hemorrhage- Retinal hemorrhages in dogs often arise from some pathologic process either in the eye or somewhere else in the body. Therefore, in many dogs, the presence of retinal hemorrhages is often a sign of a serious underlying disease. The underlying disease may be more of a threat to the health of the dog than the actual hemorrhage. Retinal hemorrhages may involve one or both eyes. The age of onset varies widely and depends upon the ocular problem or underlying cause.

Retinal detachment- Accurate diagnosis of a primary condition, if any, allows for specific medical therapy. Systemic hypertension is the most common cause of serous retinal detachment in cats (hypertensive retinopathy). Management of high blood pressure through diet and anti-hypertensive medications often results in retinal re-attachment and restoration of vision in these cases. Retinal detachments caused by idiopathic or immune-mediated conditions require the use of non-specific medical therapy. systemic corticosteroids and diuretics are of value in promoting resorption of the subretinal fluid. These medications are of little value, however, in cases where a retinal tear exists as there is continued fluid seepage from the vitreous compartment into the open subretinal space. In such cases, particular when the tear is located superiorly, gravity will encourage progression of the detachment. Treatment is directed at 1) medical therapy to promote resorption of the subretinal fluid and 2) mechanical attachment of the retina (retinopexy).
Treatment is directed at 1) medical therapy to promote resorption of the subretinal fluid and 2) mechanical attachment of the retina (retinopexy).
Treatment is directed at 1) medical therapy to promote resorption of the subretinal fluid and 2) mechanical attachment of the retina (retinopexy).

 
 
 
 Redstone Animal Hospital
9111 S. Santa fe Drive
Littleton, CO 80125
(303)683-1675