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Created page with "==Introduction== Blepharitis is '''inflammation of the eyelids''', and is commonly seen in general practice. It occurs more commonly in '''dogs''' than '''cats''', but can also ..."
==Introduction==
Blepharitis is '''inflammation of the eyelids''', and is commonly seen in general practice.
It occurs more commonly in '''dogs''' than '''cats''', but can also occur in small mammals such as '''rabbits'''.
The owner will report eye irritation and a discharge may be present. The condition is most likely to be '''insidious in onset''' and gradually progressive, although acute presentations do occur.
There are many '''underlying causes''' for blepharitis, and it can occur along with conjunctival hyperaemia. The most common cause is '''bacterial infection''' of the eyelids, most often with '''''Staphylococcal''''' species, followed by an inappropriate allergic or sensitivity reaction to the bacterial toxins.
In dogs, blepharitis can also be caused by fungi such as the [[Ringworm|ringworm]] species and ''[[Aspergillosis|Aspergillus]]''. Dermatological conditions such as [[Atopic Dermatitis|atopy]], ''[[Leishmania]]'' or [[Juvenile Pyoderma|puppy strangles]] can also be responsible.
In '''rabbits''', bacterial blepharitis is the most common cause, but ''[[Treponema cuniculi – Rabbit|Treponema cuniculi]]'' and [[Myxomatosis|myxomatosis]] infections can also lead to the condition.
==Clinical Signs==
Many forms of blepharitis are part of a general dermatological condition, and so '''skin changes are common'''.
'''Ophthalmic examination''' will reveal eyelid swelling and hyperaemia, possibly with crusting or exudative erosions close to the eyelid margins. Some lesions are erosive and a serosanginous discharge may be present.
'''Periorbital hyperaemia and alopecia''' may be signs of self-trauma.
'''Conjunctival hyperaemia''' will accompany most cases of blepharitis, and corneal ulceration may develop.
Normally there is no intraocular involvement with blepharitis, but if uveitis is present this may suggest either the [[Canine Uveodermatologic Syndrome|uveodermatological syndrome]], or ''Leishmania'' infection.
==Diagnosis==
Swabs for '''bacterial culture and sensitivity''' should be taken, from the ocular discharge and the lid margins themselves. The contents of the meibomian glands at the eyelid margins can be expressed for sampling.
'''Impression smears''' of the lid margins can be useful, as can '''hair plucks and scrapes''' to look for parasites.
If ''Leishmania'' is suspected, serological testing should be performed.
'''Biopsy''' may be considered if a more generalised condition is suspected, and the sample should include the eyelid margin wherever possible.
==Treatment==
The specific treatment regime will depend upon the '''underlying aetiology''' for the blepharitis.
'''General hygiene and preventing self-trauma''' will apply to all cases.
For a '''primary bacterial blepharitis''', '''broad-spectrum systemic antibiotics for 2-4 weeks''' are advised. Eyelids are part of the skin and require systemic medication.
A '''topical lubricant''' can be considered as involvement of the meibomian glands will affect the lipid layer of the tear film and there will be increased evaporation, leading to '''qualitative tear film abnormalities'''.
If inflammation is particularly severe, an anti-inflammatory such as a '''NSAID''' can be administered systemically. If an immune-mediated condition is suspected, '''systemic steroids''' can be administered at immuno-suppressive levels until signs resolve.
{{Learning
|flashcards = [[Rabbit Medicine and Surgery Q&A 12]]
}}
==References==
Slatter, D. (2001) '''Fundamentals of veterinary ophthalmology''' ''Elsevier Health Sciences''
Gelatt, K. (2000) '''Essentials of veterinary ophthalmology''' ''Wiley-Blackwell''
Turner, S. (2008) '''Small animal ophthalmology''' ''Elsevier Health Sciences''
[[Category:To Do - Helen]]
[[Category:To Do - Review]]
Blepharitis is '''inflammation of the eyelids''', and is commonly seen in general practice.
It occurs more commonly in '''dogs''' than '''cats''', but can also occur in small mammals such as '''rabbits'''.
The owner will report eye irritation and a discharge may be present. The condition is most likely to be '''insidious in onset''' and gradually progressive, although acute presentations do occur.
There are many '''underlying causes''' for blepharitis, and it can occur along with conjunctival hyperaemia. The most common cause is '''bacterial infection''' of the eyelids, most often with '''''Staphylococcal''''' species, followed by an inappropriate allergic or sensitivity reaction to the bacterial toxins.
In dogs, blepharitis can also be caused by fungi such as the [[Ringworm|ringworm]] species and ''[[Aspergillosis|Aspergillus]]''. Dermatological conditions such as [[Atopic Dermatitis|atopy]], ''[[Leishmania]]'' or [[Juvenile Pyoderma|puppy strangles]] can also be responsible.
In '''rabbits''', bacterial blepharitis is the most common cause, but ''[[Treponema cuniculi – Rabbit|Treponema cuniculi]]'' and [[Myxomatosis|myxomatosis]] infections can also lead to the condition.
==Clinical Signs==
Many forms of blepharitis are part of a general dermatological condition, and so '''skin changes are common'''.
'''Ophthalmic examination''' will reveal eyelid swelling and hyperaemia, possibly with crusting or exudative erosions close to the eyelid margins. Some lesions are erosive and a serosanginous discharge may be present.
'''Periorbital hyperaemia and alopecia''' may be signs of self-trauma.
'''Conjunctival hyperaemia''' will accompany most cases of blepharitis, and corneal ulceration may develop.
Normally there is no intraocular involvement with blepharitis, but if uveitis is present this may suggest either the [[Canine Uveodermatologic Syndrome|uveodermatological syndrome]], or ''Leishmania'' infection.
==Diagnosis==
Swabs for '''bacterial culture and sensitivity''' should be taken, from the ocular discharge and the lid margins themselves. The contents of the meibomian glands at the eyelid margins can be expressed for sampling.
'''Impression smears''' of the lid margins can be useful, as can '''hair plucks and scrapes''' to look for parasites.
If ''Leishmania'' is suspected, serological testing should be performed.
'''Biopsy''' may be considered if a more generalised condition is suspected, and the sample should include the eyelid margin wherever possible.
==Treatment==
The specific treatment regime will depend upon the '''underlying aetiology''' for the blepharitis.
'''General hygiene and preventing self-trauma''' will apply to all cases.
For a '''primary bacterial blepharitis''', '''broad-spectrum systemic antibiotics for 2-4 weeks''' are advised. Eyelids are part of the skin and require systemic medication.
A '''topical lubricant''' can be considered as involvement of the meibomian glands will affect the lipid layer of the tear film and there will be increased evaporation, leading to '''qualitative tear film abnormalities'''.
If inflammation is particularly severe, an anti-inflammatory such as a '''NSAID''' can be administered systemically. If an immune-mediated condition is suspected, '''systemic steroids''' can be administered at immuno-suppressive levels until signs resolve.
{{Learning
|flashcards = [[Rabbit Medicine and Surgery Q&A 12]]
}}
==References==
Slatter, D. (2001) '''Fundamentals of veterinary ophthalmology''' ''Elsevier Health Sciences''
Gelatt, K. (2000) '''Essentials of veterinary ophthalmology''' ''Wiley-Blackwell''
Turner, S. (2008) '''Small animal ophthalmology''' ''Elsevier Health Sciences''
[[Category:To Do - Helen]]
[[Category:To Do - Review]]