Introduction

In veterinary practice, the current retinal examination methods in use don't make it possible to detect fine changes, gives only informing result that could be proved by pathologic methods. Those methods do not support the detection of such diseases (metabolism disorders, chronic inflammations, toxicosis) in which early signs appear in the retina.

Objectives

Our goal was to investigate retinal change patterns, so we are able to associate them, with specific chronic and acute background.

Methods

The OCT's principle of operation is similar to that of the ultrasound system, but instead it applies laser light to scan the retina in 5-µm resolution (Schuman et al.).

Results

In our clinical practice, we examined 352 dogs between the ages of 3 weeks to 15 years. We took OCT pictures of developed congestive edema, in which we could distinguish how both inner and outer retina layers got thicker. In case of PRA we observed the retinal thinning, while the structure got disrupted. In case of early glaucoma, the ganglion cell layer and the retinal neurofibrotic layer show atrophy. In case of serious atrophy, the retinal layers are indistinguishable from each other because of disruption. In case of retinal elevation, we can clearly see the shadow cast by the sera accumulated between the pigment epithelial layer and the rods and cones layer.

Conclusions

With the use of OCT, the early detection of glaucoma, retinopathies, and many chronic diseases like diabetes and other changes in the metabolic pathway are possible.