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Conjunctivitis - Donkey (view source)
Revision as of 16:13, 18 February 2010
, 16:13, 18 February 2010no edit summary
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==Introduction==
Factors involved in the development of conjunctivitis are '''dust and flies''', causing high incidence during the summer months. Stabled environments high in dust, dirt and allergens cause conjunctivitis during the winter. The problem can, therefore, be seen all year round.
==Clinical Signs==
* '''Bacterial''' conjunctivitis is usually '''secondary'''. Underlying causes should be sought
* '''Viral respiratory disease''' often presents with conjunctivitis. [[Donkey - Herpes Virus|Herpes virus]] is usually associated with serous discharge. This may be infectious within a group
* Cases showing '''mucopurulent ocular discharge''' will invariably have inflamed or injected conjunctiva
==Diagnosis==
* Ideally swabs should be taken on first examination to obtain '''bacterial culture and sensitivity''', plus '''viral isolation'''
* In most cases, removing the cause and applying broadbroad-spectrum '''[[Antibiotics|topical antibiotics]]''' will give an immediate response, which is the practical approach. However, response to treatment must be monitored, and unless swabs were taken at the initial examination, drops must be stopped for two days before sampling to gain information on antibiotic sensitivity
* '''Fluorescein''' staining should be used to determine whether there is concurrent ulceration. Watch for the appearance of the stain at the nares within five to ten minutes to check the '''tear ducts'''
* [[Horses#THELAZIA SPECIES|'''Thelazia''']] exists in Europe and North America. These thin, white worms are 1-2 cm long, and damage caused by migration within the eyelids results in conjunctivitis. Heavy infestation may cause clouding and ulceration of the cornea
==Treatment==
* Try to find and treat the underlying cause, e.g. [[Donkey - Entropion|entropion]], viral keratitis, blocked tear ducts
* Apply '''basic cleansing''' with moist swabs to keep the eyes clean
* If the discharge is serous, not mucopurulent, then pain or irritation may be the likely cause and topical antibiotics are not indicated. Try not to use antibiotics unless indicated
* If [[Antibiotics|antibiotics]] are used, then ensure they are applied correctly and the course is completed. Preferably use a culture to decide specificity
* [[Horses#THELAZIA SPECIES|'''Thelazia''']] usually resolves after about eight weeks. However, topical [[Macrocyclic Lactones|ivermectin]] will kill the adult worms
==References==
* Grove, V. (2008) Conditions of the eye In Svendsen, E.D., Duncan, J. and Hadrill, D. (2008) ''The Professional Handbook of the Donkey'', 4th edition, Whittet Books, Chapter 11
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