We are glad to share a vet case study captured by QuikVue eye imaging adaptor from Dr. Allison Fuchs.

What is going on in this cat's eyes?

This older kitty was brought in for blindness, and the owner had noticed dilated pupils and an odd appearance to the eyes at home. You can see blood vessels through both pupils just by shining a light, with no indirect lens or special equipment. This is a slam dunk indication of a retinal detachment, and this cat has them in both eyes!

On closer examination there are some areas of hemorrhage in and under the retina as well. What is your top differential in an older cat? It should be hypertension (high blood pressure), with likely hyperthyroidism or chronic kidney disease as the underlying culprit. This kitty had a very high blood pressure at 210mmHg (normal is closer to 110, and we give them some leeway in the clinic for stress). He is undergoing further testing to evaluate for underlying metabolic issues and starting treatment for the high blood pressure.

A great example of how systemic disease manifests as ophthalmic disease in veterinary patients, and why a thorough eye examination can be so important!