EYES

Conjunctivitis

Species affected: All
Background: In dogs, this problem is commonly associated with allergies and with exophthalmos, although irritants, blocked tear ducts, keratitis sicca and corneal problems can also cause conjunctivitis. In cats, allergy may be a factor, though chronic viral (calicivirus, herpes virus) and chlamydial infections are very common. Infectious diseases may be more common, but the lesion is not usually primarily corneal; it is often an uveitis or a systemic disease. Common infectious diseases causing blindness in the cat include: feline infectious peritonitis, feline leukemia, and toxoplasmosis.
Symptoms: An inflammation of the eyelids and other conjunctival membranes of the eyes often accompanied with redness of the sclera and excess tearing and discharges. Conjunctivitis often follows acute irritation with wind, snow, dust, plant material or an abrasion during a fight or play.
Diagnostics: A thorough examination should be performed to rule out corneal erosion, foreign objects or other non-self-correcting problems. Many breeds have misshapen eyelids and/or errant eyelashes causing chronic inflammation.
Special Notes: In cats, taurine and thiamine deficiencies have been historically more common due to the unique dietary requirements of the cat. Chronic conjunctivitis can be related to immune system problems.
Principles for Supplementation: Aid the immune system, add nutrients to support ocular tissue healing and ocular immune system.

CANINE AND FELINE PRODUCTS

Therapeutics	Dosage:	Mechanism/Purpose:
Chinese Herbal Dermaclear9	Cats 1-2 pills, bid	Clears inflammation, detoxifies infections.
	Dogs 5 pills/50 lbs, bid
Clinical Nutrients Eye Formula7	Cats 1/4 tablet, bid	Antioxidant and herbs that help eye health.
	Dogs 1/4 - 1 tablet, bid
Co-Q109, Lipoquinone Dogs 1 capsule/50 lbs, sid	Antioxidant with an affinity for the eye.
Moducare9	Cats 1/2 capsule, sid	Decrease antibody production; balance immune system.
	Dogs 2 capsule/50 lbs, sid

EQUINE PRODUCTS

Therapeutics:Dosage:	Mechanism/Purpose:
Calendula/Euphrasia Tincture10 drops/per 1 oz. saline *place drops in eye 2-4 times daily	Heals, soothes membranes.
Co-Q-10096 capsules, sid or bid	Antioxidant with affinity for the eye.
Equine Immune Support92 scoops, sid	Enhances immune function.
Zinc Picolinate9 (Double Strength)3-6 tabs, sid	Enhances the immunity of the eye.

Cataracts

Species affected: All
Background: Cataracts are common in the geriatric canine patient and diabetics and may occur following eye trauma or infection, and some systemic illnesses. They advance most rapidly in small dogs and diabetics. The most common form is the senile cataract, which commonly afflicts elderly animals, especially dogs, and may lead to blindness. Cataracts may occur following eye trauma or infection, diabetes or other systemic illness.
Symptoms: Any opacity of the lens of the eye can be considered a cataract. When advanced, the lens is white in color or appears crystallized.
Diagnostics: Ocular exam.
Special Notes: The senile cataract, which commonly afflicts elderly animals, especially dogs, may not be a true cataract, but a clouding of the cornea. However, it does respond to the same natural products as regular cataracts.
Principles for Supplementation: Antioxidants are particularly useful in treating cataracts, as well as nutrients that support healing and have affinity for the eye.

CANINE AND FELINE PRODUCTS

Therapeutics	Dosage:	Mechanism/Purpose:
Clinical Nutrients Eye Formula7	Cats 1/4 tablet, sid	Antioxidants and herbs that help eye health.
	Dogs 1/4 - 1 tablet, bid
Small Animal Antioxidant9	Cat 1/2 capsule, sid	Antioxidant for lens.
	Dog 2 capsules/50 lbs, sid
Vacimyr9	Cats 1/4 capsule, sid	May arrest degeneration of lens proteins.
	Dogs 1 capsule/50 lbs, sid

EQUINE PRODUCTS

Therapeutics:Dosage:	Mechanism/Purpose:
Ascorbic Acid Powder92-4 teaspoons, sid	Has affinity for ocular tissue, enhances healing.
Equine Antioxidant91 scoop, bid	Antioxidant for the lens.
Vacimyr96-12 capsules, sid	Helps heal the lens; anthocyanosides have an affinity for the eye.

Recurrent Uveitis, Moonblindness

Species affected: Horses
Background: An inflammatory condition that fluctuates in severity; permanent loss of vision can ultimately occur. The cause is not clearly defined, but is probably an immune-mediated response involving Leptospira species and Oncocerca cervicalis microfilaria.
Symptoms: Usually a sudden onset of photophobia and tearing without corneal ulceration. The pupil remains small. Recurrent episodes occur at variable intervals.
Diagnostics: Ocular examination, fluorescein stain.
Special Notes: May appear, or worsen following vaccination; may be related to parasitic migration or infection.
Principles for Supplementation: Decrease inflammation and support immune function.

EQUINE PRODUCTS

Therapeutics:Dosage:	Mechanism/Purpose:
Equine Antioxidant91 scoop, bid	Antioxidant for ocular tissue.
Equine Immune Support92 scoops, sid	Supports the immune system.
Moducare98-12 capsules, sid	Plant sterols and sterolins enhance immune function.
Vacimyr96-12 capsules, sid	Has affinity for ocular tissue.
Yucca10-20 grams, sid	Anti-inflammatory.

Anterior Uveitis

Species affected: All
Background: This condition may be due to a systemic infection or an autoimmune reaction. It is important to rule out chronic viral infections (FIV, FeLV, FIP - in cats) as a potential cause. The cause may also be a penetrating foreign object, lacerations of the eye, or other trauma.
Symptoms: Inflammation of the iris and other structures that support the iris, pain, photophobia, spasm of the eyelids and excessive tearing.
Diagnostics: Ocular exam, other tests as needed to rule out systemic diseases
Special Notes: Can lead to glaucoma; animals should be monitored closely and referred to a specialist if necessary to save vision in the affected eye if glaucoma develops rapidly.
Principles for Supplementation: Support the immune system and supply nutrients needed by the eye for healing.

CANINE AND FELINE PRODUCTS

Therapeutics	Dosage:	Mechanism/Purpose:
Cats claw	Cats 5 mg, bid for 3 days, then sid	Modulates immune function.
	Dogs 5-10 mg, bid for 3 days, then sid
Immungen9	Cats 1-3 pills, bid	Boosts immunity.
	Dogs 3-10 pills, bid
Moducare9	Cats 1/2 capsule, sid	Plant sterols and sterolins modulate immune function.
	Dogs 2 capsules/50 lbs, sid
Small Animal Antioxidant9	Cat 1/2 capsule, sid	Antioxidant.
	Dog 2 capsules/50 lbs, sid
Vacimyr9	Cats 1/4 capsule, sid	Antioxidant with affinity for eye.
	Dogs 1 capsule/50 lbs, sid
Virolyte9	Cats 1/2 capsule, sid	For cases associated with a viral infection.
	Dogs 2 capsules/50 lbs, sid

Retinal Problems

Species affected: Cats, dogs
Background: Dogs can have retinal problems related to a genetic disorder called Progressive Retinal Atrophy (no known cause), Sudden Acquired Retinal Atrophy (SARD), retinal detachment (especially due to hypertension), retinal hemorrhage from a number of causes like coagulopathies, toxins like lead poisoning, and nutritional problems like thiamine deficiency (rare). Trauma can lead to a torn or detached retina and perforating eye injuries may extend an infection to the retina. Systemic infections may also inflame the retina. Diseases such as diabetes mellitus are commonly the cause of permanent retinal damage.
Symptoms: Loss of vision is often the main presenting sign.
Diagnostics: Ocular exam.
Special Notes: A taurine deficient diet for cats can be a primary reason for retinal damage.
Principles for Supplementation: Correct nutritional deficiencies in the animal, antioxidants with affinity for ocular tissue are very beneficial.

CANINE AND FELINE PRODUCTS

Therapeutics	Dosage:	Mechanism/Purpose:
Clinical Nutrients Eye Formula7	Cats 1/4 tablet, bid	Antioxidants and herbs that help eye health.
	Dogs 1/4 - 1 tablet, bid
Small Animal Antioxidant9	Cat 1/2 capsule, sid	Antioxidant.
	Dog 2 capsules/50 lbs, sid
Taurine9	Cats 1 capsule, sid	Essential nutrient for cats and dogs. Deficiency causes retinal problems in cats.
	Dogs 1 capsule/50 lbs, sid
Vacimyr9	Cats 1/4 capsule, sid	Anthocyanosides have an affinity for retina.
	Dogs 1 capsule/50 lbs, sid

Indolent Corneal Ulcers

Species affected: All
Background: Most common etiology is trauma such as a scratch, foreign object or keratitis sicca.
Symptoms: Pain, photophobia, excess tearing and discharge; the eye is often held shut.
Diagnostics: It is important to fully examine the inner lids and the third eyelid for the presence of persistent foreign bodies.
Special Notes: In the equine, chronic ulcerations can become infected with yeast and be very difficult to treat. In the canine and feline, chronic ulcerations may suddenly exacerbate, forming "melting" ulcers. Surgery may be necessary to protect the eye while it is healing by use of a conjunctival flap.
Principles for Supplementation: Improving the health of the immune system both systemically and locally.

CANINE AND FELINE PRODUCTS

Therapeutics	Dosage:	Mechanism/Purpose:
Canine Basic Nutrients9Dogs 2 capsules/50 lbs, sid	General nutritional support.
Clinical Nutrients Eye Formula7	Cats 1/4 tablet, bid	Antioxidants and herbs that help eye health.
	Dogs 1/4 - 1 tablet, bid
Feline Basic Nutrients9Cats 1-2 capsules, sid	General nutritional support.
Vacimyr9	Cats 1/4 capsule, sid	Antioxidant anthocyanosides have an affinity for the eye
	Dogs 1 capsule/50 lbs, sid.

EQUINE PRODUCTS

Therapeutics:Dosage:	Mechanism/Purpose:
Equine Immune Support92 scoops, sid	Supports immune system.
Vacimyr96-12 capsules, sid	Anthocyanosides have an affinity for the eye.
Zinc Picolinate9 (Double Strength)3-6 capsules, sid	Enhances ocular immune system.

Glaucoma

Species affected: All
Background: Certain breeds of dogs are more vulnerable to glaucoma than others, especially those with prominent eyes and shallow sockets. A few horses acquire the condition.
Symptoms: Eyes are large and protrude, feel hard to the touch and are painful.
Diagnostics: Increase in the intraocular pressure.
Special Notes: The condition may be primary or secondary.
Principles for Supplementation: Antioxidants are very helpful, especially those with affinity for the ocular tissues.

CANINE AND FELINE PRODUCTS

Therapeutics	Dosage:	Mechanism/Purpose:
Small Animal Antioxidant9	Cats 1/2 capsule, sid	Antioxidant for the ocular tissues.
	Dogs 2 capsules/50 lbs, sid
Thiocid9	Cats 1/4 capsule, sid	Antioxidant.
	Dogs up to 3/4 capsules, sid

EQUINE PRODUCTS

Therapeutics:Dosage:	Mechanism/Purpose:
Equine Antioxidant91 scoop, bid	Antioxidant for the ocular tissues.
Vitamin C with flavonoids92-4 grams, bid	Antioxidant with affinity for the ocular tissues.

Feline Herpes Keratitis

Species affected: Cats
Background: Chronic, recurrent and potentially severe damage of the corneal tissue of cats caused by a herpes virus.
Symptoms: Pain, photophobia, excessive tearing and discharge as well as ulceration of the cornea.
Diagnostics: Ocular examination, fluorescein stain.
Special Notes: The herpes virus may also affect other tissues of the body. It is considered a lifetime infection and, in general, will only become established in animals with a weakened immune system.
Principles for Supplementation: Strengthening the immune system is the most important aspect of treating this condition.

FELINE PRODUCTS

Therapeutics:	Dosage:	Mechanism/Purpose:
Cats claw	Cats 5 mg, bid for 3 days, then sid	Modulates immune function.
Chinese Herbal Virolyte9	Cats 1-2 pills, bid	Antiviral formula.
Feline Basic Nutrients9	1-2 capsules, sid	Source of general nutrients.
Immugen9	Cats 1/2 capsule, sid	Enhances immune system.
L-lysine9	Cats 1 capsule, sid or bid	Immune system support; especially helpful with herpes virus infections.
Moducare9	Cats 1/2 capsule, sid	Plant sterols and sterolins modulate immune function.

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