Orbital Conditions in Pets
The orbit is the bony and soft tissue structure surrounding the eye, housing the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, glands, and connective tissues that support normal eye function. When orbital disease affects this delicate area, pets may experience pain, swelling, discharge, or noticeable changes in how the eye appears or moves within the socket. Diseases of the orbit may include inflammatory or infectious conditions, or cancerous masses. At VEC CT, we conduct a thorough ophthalmic examination, often pairing it with advanced diagnostics and imaging to determine the underlying cause and develop the most appropriate treatment plan for each patient. This may include referral or consultation with additional specialists such as internists or oncologists.
.avif)
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS / Dry Eye)
KCS, also known as “dry eye”, occurs when the tear glands fail to produce an adequate tear film. This leads to chronic eye irritation, inflammation, mucous discharge and increases the risk of corneal ulcers or infections.
At VEC CT, we take a multimodal approach to managing dry eye, which may include:
- Tear-stimulating medications (e.g., cyclosporine or tacrolimus)
- Artificial tear supplements for lubrication
- Slow-release immunomodulatory implants for long-term control
- Parotid duct transposition surgery in severe or unresponsive cases
- Adjunctive therapies such as eyelid cleaning protocols and compresses to support the health of the tear glands
Early diagnosis and personalized treatment can make a huge difference in a patient's quality of life.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, or inflammation of the conjunctiva (the pink tissue lining the eyelids), is a common eye issue in pets and can result from:
- Allergies
- Viral or bacterial infections
- Immune-mediated diseases
- Irritants or anatomical abnormalities
Symptoms may include redness, squinting, discharge, or itching. Our ophthalmologist performs a complete exam to identify the root cause and tailor treatment, which may include:
- Topical antivirals or antibiotics
- Anti-inflammatory and/or antihistamine (allergy) drops
- Management of systemic conditions contributing to ocular irritation
Episcleritis
Episcleritis is an immune-mediated inflammatory condition affecting one of the outer layers of the eye. It can cause:
- Localized redness and thickening
- Swelling and irritation
- Discomfort or eye sensitivity
Management typically includes:
- Topical and/or oral anti-inflammatory medications
- Treatment to help prevent recurrence or progression
With the right treatment, most pets respond well and regain comfort quickly.
Feline Herpesvirus Infection
Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) is a common viral infection in cats, especially those from outdoor environments, shelters, or multi-cat environments. It is a major cause of:
- Recurrent conjunctivitis
- Chronic corneal ulcers
- Squinting and eye discharge
Because herpesvirus can remain latent and reemerge during stress, treatment often requires a long-term management strategy, which may include:
- Environmental stress reduction
- Topical or oral antiviral medications (like famciclovir or cidofovir)
- Treatment of related conditions such as corneal ulcers
- Tear film support to protect the cornea during flare-ups
Early management helps reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups, preserving comfort and vision.