Hattie’s Corner

We have all seen the commercials about the overpopulation of domesticated animals that many of us have as pets today. If responsibly breeding your animals is not a consideration, the most humane act for our pets is to have them spayed and neutered. Most shelters are overwhelmed with the task of taking in the thousands of homeless animals that are rescued daily from disastrous situations. Atlanta Veterinary Eye Clinic works closely with PAWS Atlanta and several other no- kill organizations that help pets like this find forever homes. Dr. Powell-Johnson has donated several thousands of dollars worth of services to these organizations, as many of these animals have healthcare needs that include ophthalmic care as well.

During these tough economic times, most of the animals in the shelters have been either left in abandoned homes, in front of random clinic and shelters, or rescued from the difficult street life that most strays find themselves in. About 3 weeks ago, on a day with a record high temperature of 90 degrees, a carrier was abandoned in front of Atlanta Veterinary Eye Clinic. One of our clients noticed this carrier upon departure of our clinic, and notified us before they left of this carrier that seemed not to belong to anyone. The AVEC staff rushed outside and quickly discovered this carrier had an adult feline and her seven kittens. We quickly brought them in and got them out of the small carrier. They all were in shock and extremely over heated, and dehydrated. It was sad that the situation had occurred to these animals.

A general health check was performed to make sure there were no urgent injuries to the mom and her kittens. We wiped them all down with water to bring down there body temperature. The mom was dazed, but concerned about her kittens, and refused food and water. As you can imagine we were all concerned with ways we could try to help them. We knew they needed a general hospital that was equipped for around the clock care, and shelter for future adoptions of the mom and her kittens. But they needed immediate care, as they were severely dehydrated and very close to expiring after being in a small “oven-like” carrier in the heat of the day.

Dearborn Animal Hospital is a local veterinary clinic that has continued to provide help to the community in the form of quality veterinary care, as well as adoptions through the Animal Action Rescue. Dearborn was horrified by the story of these abandoned animals, and decided to help even though they were booked with 2-3 other litters of kittens they had at their clinic. Dearborn has always been a veterinary clinic with a big heart, so they do a great service to the community by helping to facilitate adoptions for rescued animals.

AVEC has donated services as well as medications to Dearborn and the abandoned felines. Please contact us if you, or someone you know may be interested in the adoption of these wonderful felines.

Also, Dearborn will be happy to arrange times to meet them and several other animals they have available for adoption. If your home is full of love, then you may make the perfect match with one of these sweet hearts.

As you may know, Dry Eye Disease (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca), is a disease of the tear secreting glands that result in reduction or lack of tear production. The superficial layers of the eye, including the cornea, conjunctiva, as well as the eyelids depend on tears for nutrition and protection. Without adequate tears, these structures are highly susceptible to disease.

The tear (lacrimal) gland is located above each eye and is responsible for the production of the tear film. This tear film is compromised of three layers:

1. An outer oily layer, produced by the meibomian glands
2. The large aqueous layer, secreted by the lacrimal and accessory lacrimal gland
3. The basal mucus layer, produced by the conjunctival goblet cells

In a normal eye, all these layers work together in a balanced union for the health and protection of the eye. Also, there are important antibacterial enzymes present within tears that keep our eyes clear of infection.

Some animals, as well as humans have depressed lacrimal gland function that renders them lifelong dry eye patients. As the disease progresses, blood vessels and pigment invade the cornea, in which varying degrees of visual impairment may occur if not treated aggressively. When treating these KCS patients, topical and sometimes oral medications are necessary to provide comfort, as well as to “jump start” the depressed lacrimal gland. Most medications have to be prescribed by a doctor, but there some OTC (over the counter) topicals that can assist in lubricating the eyes.

In efforts to reach out to our local community’s youth, Atlanta Veterinary Eye Clinic granted a young student, Dhwani Kumar, the opportunity to work with us for her yearly science fair project. Dhwani and her father Dr. Sai Kumar love spending time together in their shared interest of science. So for her research project, she decided to explore the possibility of topical lubricants that could be utilized in human and animals for treatment of dry eye disease. They both agreed that AVEC was a great place to get more information on the subject. Dhwani and her father both visited the clinic several times to run trials with some of the leading OTC topical lubricants on three volunteer canine patients at AVEC.

Dhwani wanted to test the longevity of five saline based topical lubricants: Blink, Optive, Systane, Genteal, and Soothe XP. To challenge the endurance of each product, we used the following steps:

1. We first used a Schirmer tear test on each canine’s eye to determine their tear production in a 60 second time frame. This test requires a thin measuring strip of paper called a Schirmer tear test, to be latched to the bottom eyelid to measure the tear production of each eye. We notated the results.
2. We used a Fluorescein stain with each topical lubricant tested on each eye. Fluorescein is a painless diagnostic stain that we used to visualize the coating of each solution used. We blinked the eyelids three times to ensure the spread over the total cornea.
3. Then utilized slit lamp biomicroscopy to visualize the “break up time”, or the time it took for the stained solutions to leave the cornea. The slit lamp biomicroscope used is a hand held, high powered illuminating ophthalmic instrument.
4. We timed how long the different solutions stayed on the eye, and documented each one individually.
5. Finally we had a winner for the product that had the most endurance in coating the cornea, and staying on the eye the longest. Congratulations to: Soothe XP.
6. Soothe XP solution notably has the best longevity and endurance amongst the other products tested.

We would like to thank Dhwani Kumar and her father Dr. Sai Kumar for the great experience, and the research efforts that AVEC can share with our patients.
We also would like to thank the volunteers that participated in this research project.

Ms. Gilda Jones & “Honeybear”
Ms. Vanessa Smith & “Zeus”
Dr. Powell-Johnson & “Hattie Mae”

Feisty is the word most often used to describe terriers. From the Latin word “terra” for earth, most terriers were originally bred to “go to ground” after burrowing vermin, larger rodents and even foxes. These fiery little dynamos would dig up underground dens and burrows while barking furiously, forcing the inhabitants out where hunters awaited. As they became less in demand for these outdoor traits, they became an easy crossover as the intelligent household pet that we have come to love today.

Although they are more domesticated to a life indoors, they still retain most of their genetic drive to chase prey and burrow. So you may find the terrier eager to get to the shrubbery or rutting in the backyard to find prey. Sometimes, with this energetic working breed, the need to for-fill the urge of their heritage has them diving into the brushes, ivy, shrubbery, and dirt head first which could be a problem for their eyes.

In walks Ms. Cortez and her Terrier, “Eddie”. “Eddie” is a Rat Terrier mix and is almost 3 years old. We could tell that he was a true Terrier from his muscular physique, and his attentive eye contact displayed a great amount of intelligence. Unfortunately, he was uncomfortable after retaining a corneal foreign body on his right eye. After days of the foreign body not dislodging on its own, Ms. Cortez decided to bring “Eddie” to AVEC to be seen by an ophthalmologist.

Corneal foreign bodies can include plant material, flecks of metal, and chips of paint that can adhere and form depressions in the corneal epithielium to the point were the eyelids alone cannot dislodge them. The foreign bodies can be removed in most cases with just a topical anesthetic and ophthalmic corneal forceps. Complications of corneal foreign bodies include secondary bacterial and fungal infection, corneal ulcers, and severe corneal scars. Sometimes if the foreign body is lodged deep within the eye surgical intervention with general anesthesia may be necessary.

After a comprehensive ophthalmic examination on “Eddie” we discovered the foreign body that had been causing the irritation to his eye. “Eddie” held nice and still as we gave him an injection for pain management. After about ten minutes we took “Eddie” back to the O.R. to remove the corneal foreign body. Dr. Powell-Johnson was able to dislodge the corneal foreign body revealing a secondary corneal ulcer. The foreign body was a piece of plant material that had lodged its way into the cornea. “Eddie” was the perfect gentleman, as holding still if often a difficult thing to do, even for humans.

To heal the secondary corneal ulcer for “Eddie” he was placed on both a topical and oral anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic medical regime to complete the healing. Now “Eddie” has continued to do well, and his corneal foreign body episode is a thing of the past. He does have a small corneal scar at the site of where the foreign body was lodged, but it continues to be more and more transparent, and eventually undetectable to the naked eye. We love helping our patients at AVEC and feel client education is an important part of the services we provide. Now that Ms. Cortez and “Eddie” have a healthy preventative regime, we are sure he will continue to enjoy his “fun” outdoors.

If your pet is a shrub diver, or dirt digger, never allow them to engage in this behavior unsupervised. Also you can help protect their eyes by applying a topical nonmedicated lubricating ointment to the eyes prior to these types of activities. This product is an over-the-counter ointment found in most pharmacies’ eye care section. It acts as a barrier to help protect the eyes, we suggest our patient use it prior to grooming episodes as well. It is important to be observant of your pets, as a small thing like a foreign body can be very difficult to notice, until it begins to cause problems. If you notice your pet having and signs of ocular irritation like; redness, discharge, squinting, pawing or rubbing, please seek the help of a veterinary ophthalmologist.

Who can resist the big brown eyes of a Bassett Hound! Meet our patient of the month, “Desi” Bunn, an 11-year-old Bassett Hound that has been challenged with chronic genetic eye disease. Both of “Desi’s” eyes are cloudy and he has developed many painful corneal ulcers in the past.The cornea is the window in the front part of the eye. In health, it is transparent and acts as an important barrier between the eyes and the environment. The surface epithielium, and the last layer (endotheilium) keep fluid from entering the corneal tissue. “Desi” the Bassett Hound has a genetic disease where the endotheilium is abnormal and allows fluid to accumulate in the corneal tissue. Ultimately, the surface of the eye become edematous (waterlogged and cloudy), fragile and constantly ulcerates because of the abnormal endotheilium. Endotheilial dystrophy can be observed in several other breeds including the Boston Terrier, and the Chihuahua. This disease makes them genetically prone to corneal edema, and corneal ulcers due to the poor health of the endotheilium.

Therefore, after an aggressive topical therapy for many months, a surgical procedure (punctuate keratotomy) was entertained for “Desi”. This procedure helps to improve adhesion of the defective superficial corneal layer with the underlying anterior stroma, thereby making the cornea less vulnerable to corneal ulcerations. In this procedure, multiple punctures are performed with a sterile corneal knife in several localized areas. As the corneal heals from the surgical punctures, they “stack” and “fill-in” in a healthier manner. Our goal is to prevent corneal ulcers in the future by continuing a topical medical regime to offer a supported environment for his challenged cornea. This regime helps to make sure “Desi” is comfortable and retains his vision for years to come. “Desi” currently lives in Avondale Estates with his sister “Chloe” which we also see as a patient, so we are always honored to help our neighbors.

When pets are presented to AVEC for consultation of ophthalmic disease, client education is one of our most profound goals. Armored with information provided during the eye examination regarding normal ocular anatomy, eye diseases and various medical and surgical options gives pet owners extra leverage to make an intelligent decision for their pet and their family situation. These are “tailor-made” scenarios for you and your pet. Spring in Atlanta could not come soon enough this year, as our winter months were intense, even for our pets.

Now Spring has arrived - in a swirl of yellow dust. This is a beautiful time of the year; however, this season comes with danger. It brings ectoparasites, and lots environmental issues. Seasonal allergies abound, and can result in inflamed eyes. So watch for these clinical signs:

Red, inflamed eyes
Eye Discharge
Facial rubbing
Cloudy eyes

A protective, non-medicated lubricating ointment can be utilized as a barrier to protect the surface of the eye, especially if you pet spends lots of time outdoors. This product should be utilized for ocular protection prior to grooming as well. You can call the office to order your Artificial Tear Ointment so that your pet will have happy eyes this spring.

Hello my many friends and fellow AVEC Family. As you know, nutrition is key to everyone’s health. My family eats very healthy foods, and starting as a young pup, my mom has always been intent on researching and feeding me the best nutrition possible as well. I thought that I would pass on some of the info that we have learned together throughout the years to help you human friends. As we enter into the spring/summer seasons, I am excited to share with you some tips on what to look for in your local markets. These are great foods for you humans to include in your diet.
Yours Truly,
Hattie Mae

The Power of Color: Our guide to the benefits of and best sources for the healthiest hues.

REDS: Major benefits - promote heart health; help to lower cancer risks; protect against memory loss. Eat lots of beets, strawberries, red bell pepper, cranberries, tomatoes, radishes, raspberries, blood oranges, red grapefruits, watermelon, red potatoes, pomegranates, and cherries.

GREENS: Major benefits - promote vision health, lower blood pressure, normalize digestion time, boost immune system, reduce cancer risk. Eat lots of dark lettuce, kiwi fruit, avocados, cucumbers, celery, honeydew, green beans, leeks, okra, broccoli, asparagus.

ORANGES & YELLOWS: Major benefits - support the immune system, vision health, reduce cancer risk, promote collagen formation, and healthy joints. Eat lots of carrots, cantaloupe, pumpkin, corn, oranges, sweet potatoes, mangos, yellow squash, peaches, apricots, yellow pepper.

BLUES & PURPLES: Major benefits - increase memory function, lower LDL cholesterol, improve urinary tract health, reduce cancer, encourage healthful aging. Eat lots of blackberries, blueberries, purple grapes, figs, plums, eggplant, raisins, purple cabbage.

Ah, those long legs, that tiny waist, such an Italian beauty; that’s Gina Lollobrigida. This describes our first AVEC patient of the month, a wonderful Italian Greyhound puppy, “Gina Lollobrigida” Jancuski. Gina’s owners brought her to AVEC on November 2, 2009, following a traumatic injury to the left eye at the owners mountain home. Hope for a cosmetic, non-painful solution was initially very doubtful. “Gina” presented with hyphema (blood in the eye), uveitis (intraocular inflammation), and a secondary glaucoma. Needless to say, the owners were devastated, and only hoped that their beloved family pet would not have to lose her left eye. Dr. Powell-Johnson discussed the medical and surgical options with the Jancuskis. First, Gina’s left eye was stabilized and an aggressive topical and oral medical regime was initiated. Dr. Powell-Johnson developed a special relationship with this young patient, and when the clients had to go out of town on a trip that had been planned months in advance, she took Gina home with her each evening for several days. Gina and Hattie Mae developed a great friendship.

Over the next several weeks the pressure in the left eye started to increase, despite all medical therapy. Gina clearly was in pain. A  surgical procedure, cyclocryotherapy, was perforned, for the management of her glaucoma.

Take a look and Gina and her Mom, postoperatively. She is a happy, interactive puppy, and a joy to everyone that meets her. Keep kicking up those long legs, Gina Lollabrigida.

As we move through a new decade, healthy pets and clients are our goals. The lifestyle that we have as pet owners reflects directly on  the decisions we make for our pets’ overall health. Throughout the year we will feature helpful tools that can help to dictate positive lifestyle changes for you and your pet.

What types of food should you be working into your diet on a daily basis? Are you aware of what nutrients are found in a specific foods? Below is a helpful chart you can print up and utilize as a reference guide.

FOODS

Acorn Squash - Lycopen, Folate, Vit. A & C, Potassium

Almond - Potassium, high in unsaturated fats, Riboflavin, Magnesium, Zinc

Asparagus - Vitamin A & C

Barley - Iron and Minerals

Beef Eye of Round - Zinc and Vit. B6, however limit your red meat consumption

Blueberries - Antioxidants

Brussels Sprouts - High in Vitamin k

Cantaloupe - Great source of beta-carotene and Vit.C

Carrots - Vitamin A

Cauliflower - Vitamin C

Kidney Beans - Fiber, Iron and Protein

Mackerel - Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin D and Selenium

Okra - Vitamin C

Peaches - Vitamins A& C

Peanut Butter - Protein and Niacin

Prunes - Fiber, potassium, Vit A, B6, Antioxidants

Salmon - Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Sardines - Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Vit.D and Calcium

Strawberries - Vitamin C, Antioxidants

Tofu - Protein and Calcium

Tomatoes - Lycopene, Lutein

Walnuts - Low in saturated fats, high in unsaturated fats, Minerals and Folate

Watermelon - Lycopene, Vitamin A

White Fish - Omega-3 Fatty Acids

SO TRY AND WORK THESE FOODS INTO YOUR WEEK!

This is an excerpt from “51 Healthy Foods You Can Say ‘Yes’ To. Tufts University Health and Nutrition Letter

Tales for the Pet Lover’s Heart

I wanted to let you know the Tales for the Pet Lover’s Heart program will air nationally on WGN America on November 15, 2009 at 11 am EST. If the program is confirmed to air in Atlanta, Tampa, or Miami I will let you know as soon as I hear.

Books!

Have you read any good books lately? Well there is a great new book out that really tells the story of Bats!! That’s’ right Bats!

My Mom, Dr. Gail Powell-Johnson coauthored the book and her contributing chapter is titled: Bat Vision and Ophthalmology, of course. How relevant for the fall season. Anyway, it’s an interesting book titled; Bats in Captivity: Volume 1: Biological and Medical Aspects edited by Susan Barnard. So next time you are in the office, ask my Mom to let you browse through this most exciting publication.

Zoonotic Diseases

How many of you know what zoonotic disease is? It is a disease that can be transmitted from man to animals or from animals to man. Some examples of these organisms include Toxoplasma, Giardia, Toxocaia to name a few. Close physical contact between owners and their pets is quite common as our pets are considered family members, but keep in mind that this contact can impose an increased risk of transmission.

We (pets) love all these things below, however, consider the transmission of zoonotic pathogens the next time you let your pet:

1. into your bed
2. walk onto kitchen counter and food preparation areas
3. lick your face and mouth

Does your owner change the litter box frequently; wash their hands regularly after contact with their pets?

These are words that may help keep you and your pets safe!

Check me and my Mom out in a local Atlanta paper! Some nice people came to talk to my mom about helping animals’ eyes. You can see a neat photo of me getting my eyes checked out with a slit lamp biomicroscope! Read about us here.