Back to Blog
Fundoscopic exam findings7/11/2023 ![]() In general, the fundus in dogs and cats can be divided into two regions the non-tapetal fundus and the tapetal fundus. When examining the fundus, it is important to remember that the image you observe is a composite of a number of layers. Vasculature (both retinal vasculature and choroidal vasculature) Retina (and retinal pigmented epithelium)Ĥ. In dogs and cats, these structures include:Ģ. The goal of a thorough fundic examination is to evaluate the posterior segment of the eye. What should you expect when doing the examination? When performing a fundic examination, VetGirl uses a Volk 20D indirect lens.If you lose the view of the fundus, take away the lens and find the tapetal reflex again before replacing the lens in front of the eye again.The lens must remain perpendicular to light beam.The lens should be 4-6 cm in front of animal’s cornea.Once a tapetal reflex is observed, place the lens in front of animal’s eye.Using the light source, identify a tapetal reflex.The light source should be held at the right or left temple of examiner.For the procedure, you should be approximately at arm’s length from the patient.Remember, the image seen on indirect fundic examination is upside down and backwards.This should ideally be done 20 minutes prior to exam. If the pupils are too miotic for adequate examination, then you can dilate the pupils with one drop of 1% tropicamide.Many animals can be examined in a dark room without dilation.No different than your physical examination, it is important to take a consistent and systematic approach to your fundic examination. When interpreting a fundic examination, special attention is paid to reflectivity, pigmentation, size, color and whether a change is raised or depressed. The fundus itself is a collective term describing all structures in the posterior portion of the globe that can be viewed with the ophthalmoscope.Īlthough there are several instruments available, indirect ophthalmoscopy is the preferred method for examining the veterinary fundus, providing a larger field of view as compared to direct ophthalmoscopy. Treatment of rhegmatogenous detachment may include sealing retinal breaks (by laser or cryotherapy), supporting the breaks with scleral buckling, pneumatic retinopexy, and/or vitrectomy.A fundic examination is an important part of an ophthalmic examination, critical in the assessment of any vision changes, pupil abnormalities, or systemic disease. Immediate treatment is imperative if rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is acute and threatens central vision. Diagnosis is by funduscopy ultrasonography may help determine the presence and type of retinal detachment if it cannot be seen with funduscopy. Traction and serous retinal detachments (not involving retinal breaks) cause central or peripheral vision loss. Associated symptoms can include painless vision disturbances, including flashing lights and increased floaters. Symptoms are decreased peripheral or central vision, often described as a curtain or dark cloud coming across the field of vision. The most common cause is a retinal break (a tear or, less commonly, a hole-rhegmatogenous detachment). Retinal detachment is separation of the neurosensory retina from the underlying retinal pigment epithelium.
0 Comments
Read More
Leave a Reply. |