Dacryocystitis - Dog and Cat

Dacryocystitis is inflammation of the lacrimal system and nasolacrimal duct.

Aetilogy

Commonly secondery to foreign bodies, though sometimes no inciting cause is found.

Signalment

No known predisposing factors.

Clinical Signs

Ocular discharge, usually a thick, mucopurulent exudate at the medial canthus. Pressing on the medial canthus is often painful and produces more discharge. Conjunctivitis, but often only mild for the amount of exudate produced. Painful, erythematous dermatitis is seen at the medial canthus in some cases.

Dacryocystitis should be considered in any recurrent case of conjunctivitis.

Diagnosis

Based on clinical signs. Diagnostic imaging may help localise the lesion.

Treatment

Repeated flushing of the lacrimal system to remove exudate and any foreign bodies. A sample of exudate should be taken for bacteriology. After intially flushing with sterile saline, antibiotics may be instilled.

In cases not responding to flushing, surgical cannulation may be performed. If it is not possible too pass a cannula, surgical exploration of the lacrimal system may be required.

References

Maggs, D et al (2007) Slatter's Fundamentals Of Veterinary Ophthalmology (Fourth Edition) Saunders

Peiffer, Robert J, and Petersen-Jones, Simon M (2008) Small Animal Ophthalmology (Fourth Edition) Saunders