Module II. Intraocular diseases and blindness.*

Vision is the most vital sense in our patients, and blindness is probably one of the most devastating diagnosis an owner (and pet) can receive. Furthermore, many cases of blindness are ocular manifestations of systemic diseases. Even if blindness is irreversible, workup of these cases is mandatory to reach a systemic diagnosis that can save the animal’s life. This module will cover the workup, diagnosis and treatment of intraocular diseases.

April 20, 2023. Uveitis. It’s a clinical sign, not a diagnosis!

• Often, anterior and/or posterior uveitis is simply a manifestation of a systemic disease. It may also be secondary to cataract (in dogs), neoplasia (in elderly patients) and corneal disease. Though some cases may be idiopathic, a diagnosis of uveitis mandates a thorough investigation to uncover the primary cause. Prompt treatment is required, as complications resulting from uveitis may lead to blindness. However, treatment without proper diagnosis will usually result only in temporary relief, and may very well endanger the patient’s life, as a potentially grave systemic condition is not diagnosed.

April 27, 2023.Diseases of the uvea. It is not just uveitis!

• Uveitis is the most common uveal disease, but other diseases of the uveal tract, such as uveal neoplasia, cysts and uveodermatological syndrome must be recognized and treated properly to prevent loss of vision.

May 4, 2023. So much pressure! Understanding & treating glaucoma

• Early recognition of glaucoma is crucial for saving vision of patients. Learn how to diagnose and manage this painful and blinding disease.

May 11, 2023. Cataract. As a general practitioner, what can I do about it?

• Cataract surgery is performed by specialists. However, the referring veterinarian has a critical role in client education, timely referral, and pre- and post-operative care. Learn how you can aid restore vision to your blind patients.

May 24, 2023. The “bulging eye”. How do I know? How do I treat? (Wednesday!)

• Traumatic proptosis is a true ocular emergency, and owners will want to know if you can “save the eye”. This talk will help you determine prognosis and offer treatment. “Bulging” of the eye may also be due to exophthalmos and buphthalmos. These are signs of very different ophthalmic disorders (retrobulbar disease and glaucoma, respectively), yet their clinical appearance may be similar and confusing. Learn to differentiate between them, and how to treat exophthalmos!

June 15 & 22, 2023. Why do our patients go blind? Parts I & II

• This two part series will begin with the workup of the blind patient, to help you narrow down your list of differential diagnosis. We shall then review and discuss the workup, diagnosis and treatment of the leading causes of blindness. We shall cover “progressive retinal atrophy”, the most common inherited cause of blindness in dogs. Inflammations of the posterior segment, including posterior uveitis and optic neuritis. Retinal detachment, SARDS and other causes of blindness will also be covered.

June 29, 2023. Do dogs really see in black & white? Facts and myths about animal vision

• Owners frequently ask: How sharp is my cat’s vision? Does my dog see in black and white? Why are my pets not interested in watching TV? This talk will supply answers to questions about this most important sense

* Subject to change

Essential ophthalmology - ocular surface diseases (Module I)

Interactive slide recognition/clinical case discussions (Module III)

For general practitioners