Hi there! I am back with news from the veterinary world. This month, it’s all about ophthalmology! 👀

First, a paper on the comparison of conjunctival microflora in guinea pigs with and without signs of conjunctivitis. Eleven guinea pigs (22 eyes) with conjunctivitis and nine healthy guinea pigs (18 eyes) had samples collected with conjunctival swabs. In guinea pigs with conjunctivitis, the most commonly isolated organisms were Staphylococcus spp. (18.1%) and Moraxella spp. (18.1%), while in heathy guinea pigs Staphylococcus spp. (44.4%) and Bacillus spp. ( 22.2%) were most commonly found. Overall, animals with conjunctivitis showed a prevalence of Gram-positive bacteria. Also, in guinea pigs with conjunctivitis, Moraxella spp. was resistant to vancomycin and ampicillin, while Staphylococcus aureus was resistant to erythromycin. This show the importance of submitting samples of our patients to culture and sensitivity, and our role on the judicious use of antibiotics!

Second, we have a study performed to determine the normal aerobic bacterial flora of the cornea and conjunctiva in Syrian hamsters. Eleven healthy adults were used, and samples were collected using sterile micro-swab applicators. Fourteen eyes (63%) showed bacterial growth and Gram-positive bacteria were the most prominent.

Lastly, we have a paper reporting the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma in client-owned rabbits over the span of 12 years. This retrospective study used the records of rabbits diagnosed with glaucoma by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist or ophthalmology resident between 2008-2019. Their results showed that glaucoma was diagnosed in 16 eyes from 11 rabbits, with of the rabbits being seropositive for Encephalitozoon cuniculi. They describe the range of IOP found in these patients, as well as the most commonly found clinical signs, rates of success of conservative treatment and the results of surgical treatments.

On VETAHEAD related news, we are working hard and making it so the emergency course lessons are released! Last week, we launched a lesson on RECOVER CPR guidelines and released all emergency calculators, for all species covered in the course! This week, we will have a new lesson on hypovolemia and dehydration. If you want to learn more about the course, click here.

See you next month!