Page 1201 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

58 – THE CAT WITH A RED COLORATION OF THE GLOBE 1193

TRAUMA
● Hyphema associated with trauma* (p 1200)
Anterior chamber may be filled with blood so the eye appears completely red. Owners often
describe the eye as “black” in color. May be hemorrhage in the conjunctiva as well.
WHERE?

IRIS
NEOPLASTIC
● Iris neoplasia* (p 1202)
Lymphosarcoma infiltrating the iris causes iris swelling, distortion, a “creamy” color change and
hemorrhage on the anterior iris surface. The pupil may be distorted (dyscoria). Hyphema and
hypopyon are present in varying degrees.
INFLAMMATION/INFECTIOUS
● Uveitis*** (p 1201)
FIV, FeLV, FIP, Blastomyces dermatitidis, Candida albicans, Coccidioides immitis, Cryptococcus
neoformans, Histoplasma capsulatum are all associated with uveitis, which may result in a pink-
or red-appearing iris or hemorrhage into the anterior chamber. Systemic signs associated with the
agent are usually present. Anterior uveitis with pre-iridal fibrovascular membranes (PFIM) are the
main presenting signs in chronic uveitis. Hemorrhage is associated with the PFIMs. Retinal hem-
orrhage is seen occasionally in areas of granuloma formation. Often there is no obvious cause and
the uveitis is idiopathic.
IMMUNE
● Pre-iridal fibrovascular membranes (PIFMs)* (p 1201)
New blood vessel growth seen on the anterior surface of the iris that gives the iris an injected
pink discoloration. Vessels are fragile and easily hemorrhage into the anterior chamber, causing
hyphema. Usually seen in eyes with chronic inflammatory disease, total retinal detachment or
neoplasia.
TRAUMA

● Trauma, blunt or penetrating* (p 1299)
Bleeding into the eye is caused by an injury to the iris root or ciliary body. In penetrating injuries,
especially from cat claws, hemorrhage is directly associated with an injury to the iris.
WHERE?
VITREOUS
METABOLIC

● Hypertensive retinopathy*** (p 1202)
Typically presents as an older cat with a history of sudden blindness. Usually bilateral, affected
eyes appear cloudy, and the vitreous has focal red areas visible through the pupil. The retina
appears out of focus. Common secondary to chronic renal disease or hyperthyroidism and car-
diomyopathy.

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