Postanästhesiologische Tränenproduktion und Irritationen am Auge der Katze

Abstract

This study demonstrated that tear production in cats is significantly decreased both during and after anaesthesia. The degree of reduction was independent of the anaesthetic protocol. Both the eye ointment and gel proved effective in protecting the corneal surface. However, eye gel use is recommended because the eye ointment consistently caused an irritation comparable to the foreign-body sensation reported in humans.

Effect of medetomidine on tear flow measured by Schirmer tear test I in normal pigs

“…Insufficiency of tears damages the ocular surface tissue including the cornea and, at worst, might damage the vision. Animals with such changes, depending on the degree of change, experience irritation or pain on the ocular surface [2, 12, 16]. Although, medetomidine is often administered to pigs as a sedative agent [9,10,11, 13, 18], there are no reports of concerns about the effects of the administration of the drug on tear flow.…”

Bilateral corneal ulceration in a cat after general anaesthesia

“…The physiological tear film is essential to protect the corneal epithelium 5,21 . In dogs and cats, general anaesthesia significantly increases the risk of corneal defects through reduction of tear production, blinking reflex and eyelid closure (lagophthalmos) 2,6,13,17,18,22–25 . Anaesthetic drugs are hypothesised to affect tear production and the tear film by interacting with the parasympathetic nervous system, 2,26 reducing blood perfusion to the lacrimal gland, altering its metabolism, and changing the composition of the tear film 27 .…”

“…The hydrogel also shows better inhibition of bacterial growth in vitro 1 . In a study comparing the two formulations in cats, the eyes treated with paraffin‐containing ophthalmic ointment induced blepharospasm and hyperaemia of the conjunctiva compared to a clear hydrogel 18 . Tear production was reduced for up to 18 hours after anaesthesia in cats, 18 and for 24 hours in dogs 15 .…”

“…In cats, the situation is similar. There is also evidence for the reduction of tear production during and after general anaesthesia and the necessity for eye protective measures 17,18 . However, incidence of corneal abrasion is not known in cats.…”

“…There is also evidence for the reduction of tear production during and after general anaesthesia and the necessity for eye protective measures. 17,18 However, incidence of corneal abrasion is not known in cats. In addition, herpesvirus infection is prevalent in cats, and may predispose to or exacerbate ophthalmologic disorders, but no information is available regarding interaction with post-anaesthetic corneal abrasion in cats.…”