ANIMAL DOCTOR
Tuesday, February 14, 2006; Page C09
Dear Dr. Fox:
Our dog Rex has a pedigree that includes Labrador, blue heeler and German shepherd. He is now about 6 years old. When he was about 3, my son noticed a cloudy-looking film developing over Rex's eyes. Our veterinarian, who has had extensive training and experience dealing with canine disease, diagnosed the problem as pannus (inflammation of the cornea). She prescribed a 1 percent prednisone acetate ophthalmic suspension and 0.2 percent Optimmune ointment for treatment. At the time, she indicated that there was no cure for the disease but that daily treatment might keep it under control.
Over the years, Rex's pannus appears to have worsened somewhat. I don't think his vision is as acute as it once was, even though we continue to treat his eyes daily.
Do you know of any recent developments (e.g., medications or treatment regimens) that can cure pannus? If not, are you aware of any other medications or treatments that may be more effective than the ones we are now using?
B.H., Eugene, Ore.
Your dog's condition will require lifelong therapy. It might flare up during the summer and winter, with increased ultraviolet radiation.
Pannus is thought to be an immune-system disorder and is prevalent in certain breeds such as German shepherds, Border collies, Australian shepherds, golden retrievers, rottweilers and greyhounds.
The prednisone may need to be injected into the subconjunctiva (the soft tissues around the eyeball). Supplementing your dog's diet with some powerful antioxidants like vitamins A, C and E, zinc and selenium might also help.
Dear Dr. Fox:
I am writing on behalf of my mother and her cat, Thud. Thud was a stray, so we do not know what his background is or where he came from. Thud has been in the family for about three years. The vet estimates that he is about 8 to 10 years old now. He is "fixed" and has been declawed in the front.
Overall, Thud is a very gentle and caring critter, but every month or so he becomes very aggressive. He will start to paw and comb my mother's leg. When she does not give him the needed attention or stops giving the attention too soon, he will jump up and bite her very hard in the leg. He breaks the skin, and since mother is on a blood thinner, she bleeds for long periods of time. Mother is getting very upset with Thud and scared that he may injure her badly.
Thud is a very wonderful cat but just gets out of hand every once in awhile. Mother does not want to get rid of Thud but will if this behavior continues.
