Orbital Diseases
A range of conditions can affect the orbit.
Conditions
Developmental
Shallow orbit (brachycephalic breeds)
Micropthalmia/Anaopthalmia
Trauma
Penetrating foreign bodies
Infections
Orbital Cellulitis and Retrobulbar Abscesses
Neoplasia
Orbital Neoplasias
Miscellanous
Eosinophilic Myositis
Horner's Syndrome
Diagnostic Investigations
Palpation
Placing pressure through the eyelids can help determine the location and contents of the globes.
Oral Examination
In the presence of exopthalmos, pain on opening the mouth indicates an inflammatory process, whilst no pain indicates a neoplastic process. Where possible the soft tissue caudal to the rear upper molar should be palpated.
Ultrasound
Useful for evaluating soft tissue masses
MRI/CT
Useful for localising lesions, surgical planning and FNA/biopsies where appropriate.
References
Maggs, D et al (2007) Slatter's Fundamentals Of Veterinary Ophthalmology (Fourth Edition) Saunders