Microphthalmia, aphakia and agenesis of the optic chiasm and tract in a wild fox squirrel (Sciurusniger).

We describe gross and histopathological features of multiple ocular and neuro-ophthalmic abnormalities in a fox squirrel (Sciurus niger). Ophthalmic findings included severe bilateral microphthalmos, with the right eye more affected than the left. Histopathology confirmed severe microphthalmia, aphakia, disorganized retinal tissue and small optic nerves, as well as agenesis of the optic chiasm and optic tract. This combination of neuro-ophthalmic abnormalities has not been previously described in wild animals.

Salmonella infantis ulcerative keratitis in a dog.

This manuscript describes a previously unreported clinical case of Salmonella enterica serovar infantis associated with ulcerative keratitis in a dog. Local immunosuppression of the corneal surface likely contributed to this opportunistic infection. Antimicrobial therapy with topical ofloxacin, tobramycin, and systemic enrofloxacin was successful in resolving the infection.

Prevalence of ocular lesions in cats newly diagnosed with histoplasmosis: 55 cases (2015-2022).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of ocular lesions in cats with newly diagnosed histoplasmosis. ANIMALS: 55 client-owned domestic cats. PROCEDURES: As part of this prospective case series, cats diagnosed with histoplasmosis between the years 2015 and 2020 underwent complete ophthalmic examinations by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist prior to the initiation of antifungal treatment. Histoplasmosis was diagnosed by consistent clinical findings and identification of Histoplasma yeast on pathology or by the use of a commercially available enzyme immunoassay to detect Histoplasma antigen in urine. RESULTS: Of the 55 cats, 45 (82%; 95% CI, 72% to 92%) had signs of active anterior, posterior, or panuveitis. The most common lesions were identified in the posterior portion of the globe and included chorioretinitis and partial retinal detachments (44/55 [80%; 95% CI, 69% to 90%] cats). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Detailed ophthalmic examinations should be performed on all cats with diagnosed or suspected histoplasmosis, as ocular involvement and subsequent vision loss are common.

Disseminated histoplasmosis with ocular adnexal involvement in seven cats.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of disseminated histoplasmosis with conjunctival and/or nictitating membrane involvement in cats. PROCEDURE: Medical records from seven cats with naturally acquired disseminated histoplasmosis and conjunctival and/or nictitating membrane lesions were reviewed for signalment, clinical findings, diagnostic results, treatment, and outcome. RESULTS: Breeds included domestic shorthair (n = 5), Maine Coon (n = 1), and Siamese mix (n = 1) with four spayed females and three castrated males. Conjunctival abnormalities were identified in four cats, and nictitating membrane lesions were identified in four cats; one cat had both a conjunctival and nictitating membrane lesion. Cytologic evaluation of lesions identified Histoplasma capsulatum organisms in two of four cases sampled, and histopathologic evaluation identified H capsulatum in both cases in which a sample was submitted. Histoplasmosis antigen testing was positive in three of four submitted samples. Initial treatment for all cats included fluconazole (median dose: 26 mg/kg/d). Median duration of follow-up was 11 months (range: 1-108 months; n = 4). Resolution of ocular adnexal lesions was achieved in three cats. Two cats had relapse of disease, one of which was subsequently euthanized. One cat with concurrent feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection died one month after diagnosis of histoplasmosis. CONCLUSIONS: Histoplasmosis should be a differential diagnosis for ocular adnexal inflammatory lesions in cats.

Golden retriever pigmentary uveitis: Challenges of diagnosis and treatment.

Pigmentary uveitis (PU), also known as Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis (GRPU), is a common ocular condition of Golden Retrievers that has severe, vision-threatening ocular complications and can require surgical intervention. In order to ensure consistency in the diagnosis of GRPU between examiners, a specified set of diagnostic criteria must be applied. This is critical to ensure owners, breeders, and veterinary ophthalmologists maintain confidence in the ocular certification process. Therefore, current and former members of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists' Genetics Committee came together to draft this Viewpoint Article on the challenges of diagnosis and treatment of Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis for veterinary ophthalmologists, Golden Retriever owners, and Golden Retriever breeders.