Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| + | {{review}} |
| + | |
| + | ==Introduction== |
| + | |
| + | This is only diagnosed if specifically tested for. |
| + | |
| + | ==Clinical Signs== |
| + | |
| + | It often presents as '''chronic keratitis with blepharospasm, epiphora, corneal oedema and punctuate ulceration''' with a long history of antibiotic therapy. |
| + | |
| + | ==Diagnosis== |
| + | |
| + | * Combined [[Antibiotics|antibiotic]]/[[Steroids|steroid]] therapy should be avoided; it is rarely indicated and allows fungal overgrowth |
| + | * '''Corneal scrapings''' are required for histology. However, cases at [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary] have been diagnosed from swabs. Check with the laboratory first to ensure the correct medium is used. |
| + | |
| + | ==Treatment== |
| + | |
| + | Unless '''aggressive treatment''' is initiated early, the eye can be permanently destroyed. The prognosis is guarded. |
| + | * Try to use fungicidal rather than fungostatic treatments |
| + | * Options for treatment include: |
| + | ** '''Natamycin ophthalmic preparation'''. |
| + | ** '''Miconazole''' (10 mg/ml i.v. solution) applied to the eye four times daily for up to six weeks. |
| + | ** '''Povidone-iodine''' (non-lathering, not alcohol-based) diluted to 1:20 (5 ml in 100 ml sterile saline), applied to the eye four times daily |
| + | * Treatment should be continued until two negative swab results have been achieved. This can take six to eight weeks. Chronic corneal scarring often remains |
| + | * '''[[NSAIDs]], cycloplegics and anti-collagenase''' treatment should be used in conjunction with the [[Antifungal Drugs|anti-fungals]] |
| + | * Clinical signs can worsen as fungal death occurs |
| + | |
| + | ==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 |
| + | |
| + | |
| {{toplink | | {{toplink |
| |backcolour = D1EEEE | | |backcolour = D1EEEE |