A normal tear film is vital to the health of the surface of the eye.  Tears perform numerous functions including lubricating the eye surface to facilitate blinking, keeping the cornea clear and shiny for normal vision, and fighting off infection with natural antibodies and other proteins.  ...

Glaucoma is defined as an increase in intraocular pressure (pressure within the eye). Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) (greater than 25 mm Hg in the dog and 30 mm Hg in the cat) can lead to pain and irreversible loss of vision. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in animals and peo...

Feline herpes virus is a very common respiratory virus in cats. It is a contagious disease that is most common in kittens or young cats.  Up to 85 percent of kittens may be exposed to the virus at birth. Kittens that develop severe infections at birth can wind up with extensive scarring on the...

Epiphora (excessive tearing) results in persistent wetness, and often staining, of the hair below the eyes.  This is not only unsightly (and sometimes malodorous), but it may become irritating to the pet's skin since it creates an excellent bed for bacterial growth and secondary skin infections...

The third eyelid or Nictitating Membrane is present in most animal species including dogs and cats.  Associated with this third eyelid is a gland (gland of the third eyelid) which plays an important role in maintaining ocular health as it contributes to the production of tears. It produces 30 t...

A cataract is any opacity in the normally clear crystalline lens of the eye.  A cataract can be small or focal and not interfere with vision, or it can progress and involve more of the lens resulting in troubled vision or blindness in the affected pet.  Advanced or complete cataracts may a...

Compared with ordinary hand-held examination equipment, video otoscopy offers superior optics, greater magnification, and provides greater detail for evaluating the condition of the ear including the external canal, tympanum, and bullae. Otitis Media is a Surgical Disease Otitis Media is present i...

There are several different medications available to treat pituitary dependent Cushing's syndrome in animals. Each medication has its own benefits and risks. Here we present some of those available options. This data is presented in a manner that can be used to explain therapeutic options to th...