Ocular Herpes in Kittens
by Noelle La Croix, DVM, Dip. ACVO
 

The feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) was first isolated in 1958. The virus can replicate within the conjunctival epithelia, upper respiratory tract epithelia, and sensory ganglia. Neuronal infection with FHV-1 establishes lifelong latency with intermittent re-activation and viral shedding. Virus transmission is commonly associated with exposure to acutely infected cats, or recrudescing latently infected cats. Environmental contamination with FHV-1 is not considered a significant route of transmission. [More]

Genetic Testing in Veterinary Ophthalmology
by Noelle La Croix, DVM, Dip. ACVO
 

As discussed in an earlier article, the selective breeding of the canine has greatly diminished the genetic diversity within each specific breed. In populations of low genetic diversity, recessive alleles are more likely to pair. Paired non-lethal recessives often generate phenotypes with decreased biological fitness. Recessive defective alleles are maintained in heterozygous (carrier) dogs within a population. Genetic testing can screen for these "hidden" alleles, and reduce the likelihood of breeding animals with defective pairings. [More]

Cranial Curuciate Ligament Instability: Introducing the Tibial Tuberosity Advancement
by Dr. Margret Puccio, DVM, Diplomate ACVS
 

Cranial cruciate ligament injuries are one of the most common causes of acute and chronic lameness in dogs and are also seen as a cause of lameness in cats. Unstabilized cranial cruciate ligament tears place the patient at risk of meniscal damage and osteoarthritis of the stifle joint. [More]

Interventional Radiology Techniques
by Dr. John Fondacaro, Diplomate ACVIM & Dr. Sean Hillock, Diplomate ACVIM
 

Since there is not an abundance of information about these procedures in the literature, the following general information will help you decide which patients may be possible candidates and allow you to adequately prepare owners prior to referral. [More]

Canine Bacterial Keratitis - When Ulcers Go Bad
by Dr. Noelle La Croix, DVM, Dip. ACVO
 

The cornea is a transparent tissue lacking pigments, blood vasculature, and keratinized epithelia. These properties are essential for vision, but also make the cornea susceptible to infection. The tear film acts as a physical barrier to microrganisms, prevents microbial growth with lysozyme and lactoferrin, and provides nutrition to the corneal epithelium. [More]

Cataract Referral
by Dr. Noelle La Croix, DVM, Dip. ACVO
 

A cataract is any opacification of the lens. Crystallins within lens fibers, or the lens fibers themselves, are disorganized within a cataract. Ultimately, crystallin disorder decreases transparency or light transmittance. Cortical cataracts are histologically associated with disordered, swollen, and ruptured lens fibers. [More]

Feline Dental Problems
by Dr. Daniel T. Carmichael
 

Dental disease is common in domestic felines. In fact, dental problems are the most common disease that we see in cats, and many dental problems are painful. The most common sign of pain in cats, however, is no sign at all. By diagnosing and rendering appropriate treatment, we can eliminate pain and afford our feline patients a better quality of life. [More]

Taking Care of your Pet's Teeth at Home
by Dr. Daniel T. Carmichael
 

The consequences of poor dental health go way beyond bad breath.  Periodontal infection can lead to serious health concerns ranging from tooth loss to organ failure.  It’s also no secret that dental problems are common in animals – studies have shown dental problems to be the most common problem in both dogs and cats, with periodontal disease at or near the top of the list. [More]

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