Page 1205 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

58 – THE CAT WITH A RED COLORATION OF THE GLOBE 1197

● Serous to mucopurulent discharge, which may be
DISEASES CAUSING A RED GLOBE: more copious than FHV-1 conjunctivitis.
THE RED BULBAR CONJUNCTIVA
● Conjunctival follicles form in chronic cases.
● Conjunctival swabs or scrapings taken with a spat-
ACUTE INFECTIOUS ula may be positive on a fluorescent antibody test.
CONJUNCTIVITIS*** ● Cytology specimens may demonstrate the presence
of intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies, which are pres-
Classical signs ent in the first 2 weeks of infection.
● Culture is very difficult and requires the use of spe-
● Usually occurs in young animals.
cific growth media sent to specialized laboratories.
● Intense inflammation and chemosis with
mucopurulent discharge (Chlamydophila Herpes conjunctivitis.
felis infection). ● The conjunctiva is less inflamed in acute FHV-1
● Less intense inflammation but very infections compared to Chlamydophila felis infection.
injected vessels and serous discharge ● Respiratory signs are more pronounced with
(herpesvirus conjunctivitis). sneezing, serous discharge, anorexia, pyrexia and
● Mild inflammation and serous to mucoid depression.
discharge (Mycoplasma infection). ● Young cats are more commonly infected with acute
signs.
See the main reference on page 1212 for details (The ● Severe cases may form a pseudomembrane, and later
Cat With Ocular Discharge or Changed Conjunctival develop conjunctival adhesions (symblepharon).
Appearance) and page 13 (The Cat With Acute ● Laboratory diagnosis is based on PCR, virus iso-
Sneezing or Nasal Discharge). lation or fluorescent antibody may be supportive.
Mycoplasma felis and M. gatae.
Clinical signs ● Mycoplasma usually causes a mild form of con-
junctivitis
Young cats with Chlamydophila felis conjunctivitis ● Ocular discharge remains serous.
show intense chemosis and redness of the conjunc- ● A conjunctival pseudomembrane occasionally
tiva, and a mucopurulent discharge usually develops. forms with a thick white discharge.
There may be signs of respiratory disease, with sneez- ● Cytology may reveal small basophylic inclusion
ing and nasal discharge. bodies at the level of the basement membrane.
● The organism can be readily cultured.
The inflammation in herpesvirus (FHV-1) infection is
less intense, but the conjunctiva can become quite red.
Respiratory signs are more marked. Discharge is usu- HEMORRHAGE ASSOCIATED WITH
ally serous. TRAUMA*** OR BLEEDING DISORDERS
A mild inflammation is seen with Mycoplasma con-
Classical signs
junctivitis, and the discharge is more serous to mucoid
in nature. ● Bright red sclera (diffuse hemorrhage) and
a history of blunt trauma.
● Conjunctiva may be swollen and bulging,
Diagnosis and the eye may be prominent.
● Ecchymoses (small areas of hemorrhage)
For more details on diagnosis of conjunctival infections
or petechia in bleeding states, and no
see page 1213 (The Cat With Ocular Discharge or
history of trauma.
Changed Conjunctival Appearance).
Chlamydophila felis conjunctivitis. See the main reference on page 1223 for details (The
● Commonly occurs initially as unilateral signs, Cat With Ocular Discharge or Changed Conjunctival
followed days later as bilateral disease. Appearance).