View source for Orbital Cellulitis and Retrobulbar Abscesses - Cat and Dog

==Introduction==
'''Orbital Cellulitis''' is an infection of the tissue surrounding the eye. If frequently localises and progresses to form '''Retrobulbar Abscesses'''.

The aetiology is uncertain but assumed to be secondary to '''haematogenous spread''' or penetrating '''foreign bodies'''. '''Anaerobic''' culture is frequently required to produce any growth from samples. [[Pasteurella and Mannheimia species - Overview|''Pasteurella'']] has been grown from dogs with orbital cellulitis, whilst [[Aspergillus spp.|''Aspergillus'']] and ''Penicillium'' has been grown from cats.

==Signalment==

There is no known signalment.

==Clinical Signs==

Exopthalmos

Periorbital swelling

Pain on opening of mouth

Hyperemia and swelling of oral mucosa caudal to rear upper molar tooth

Protrusion of third eyelid

Pyrexia

Chemosis, usually unilateral

Anorexia


Clinical signs are usually rapid in onset.

==Diagnosis==

Clinical signs are often '''pathognomic'''.

A '''complete blood count''' may show signs of infection.

'''Ultrasound''' may confirm the presence of an abscess. '''Radiography''' should be consider if a foreign body is suspected.

==Treatment==

'''Drainage''' should be attempted by making a stab incision through the oral '''mucosa''' caudal to the rear upper molar tooth, followed by careful blunt dissection to the orbit. It is advisable to submit any exudate drained for culture. The orbit should be gently flushed with sterile saline and [[Antibiotics|broad spectrum antibiotics]] administered until culture results are received. Antibiotics should be administered for at least 7 days.

==Control==

If clinical signs do not resolve or recur, further investigation or surgery should be undertaken to rule out foreign bodies. Persistent infection from the roots of upper molar teeth is another possibility to be ruled out.

==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''



[[Category:Orbital Diseases - Cat]]
[[Category:Orbital Diseases - Dog]]