Changes

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.

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.  

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 [[:Category:Staphylococcus species|'''''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 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.

Many forms of blepharitis are part of a general dermatological condition, and so '''skin changes are common'''.

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.

'''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 serosanguinous discharge may be present.

'''Periorbital hyperaemia and alopecia''' may be signs of self-trauma.

'''Periorbital hyperaemia and [[alopecia]]''' may be signs of self-trauma.

'''Conjunctival hyperaemia''' will accompany most cases of blepharitis, and corneal ulceration may develop.

'''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.

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==

==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.

Swabs for '''bacterial culture and sensitivity''' should be taken from the ocular discharge and the lid margins themselves. The contents of the [[Skin - Anatomy & Physiology#Eyelids|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.

'''Impression smears''' of the lid margins can be useful, as can '''hair plucks and scrapes''' to look for parasites.

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'''.

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.

If inflammation is particularly severe, an anti-inflammatory such as a '''[[NSAIDs]]''' can be administered systemically. If an immune-mediated condition is suspected, '''systemic steroids''' can be administered at immuno-suppressive levels until signs resolve.

{{Learning

{{Learning

Turner, S. (2008) '''Small animal ophthalmology''' ''Elsevier Health Sciences''

Turner, S. (2008) '''Small animal ophthalmology''' ''Elsevier Health Sciences''

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[[Category:To Do - Review]]

 

[[Category:Neurological Diseases - Horse]]

[[Category:Neurological Diseases - Dog]]

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