Pet Retinal Detachments Spring, TX
Blindness or some degree of vision loss in a pet is the most typical symptom of retinal detachment.
What is retinal detachment?
Retinal detachment is the separation of the retinal layer from the choroid in the posterior aspect of the globe.
What are the clinical signs of retinal detachment?
Clinical signs associated with retinal detachment include dilation of the pupil and blindness. However, in instances in which the retina is only partially detached, the degree of reduced vision may not be noticeable to an owner.
What are the causes of retinal detachment?
The common causes of retinal detachment are usually secondary to infectious or inflammatory disease, high blood pressure, trauma, advanced cataracts, and chronic glaucoma. At North Houston Veterinary Ophthalmology, retinal detachment can also occur as a result of genetic retinal conditions, including progressive retinal atrophy, retinal dysplasia, merle ocular dysgenesis, and optic nerve or scleral colobomas. Primary (i.e., no identifiable cause) retinal detachments are also noted in Shih Tzus.
What are the treatments for retinal detachment?
Separation of the retina from the choroid results in progressive damage to the retina. Prolonged retinal detachment will result in atrophy of the retina and complete loss of function. If the retina can be reattached prior to this point (typically within the first four weeks), vision can usually be restored.
In many secondary cases of retinal detachment, especially high blood pressure and infectious/inflammatory disease, if the underlying condition is recognized and treated, the retina can reattach spontaneously. In other instances, such as partial retinal detachment due to trauma, surgery, or genetic retinal disease, a laser can be used to halt the progression of the detachment and retain current vision. In cases where the retina has completely detached at its insertion, a complete dialysis detachment, vitreo/retinal surgery can be considered.