Key takeaways
Synechiae in dogs is a condition of the eye that causes a displacement of the iris.
- Synechiae can present as an anterior displacement (the iris sticks to the cornea) or posterior (the iris sticks to the back of the lens)
- Synechiae most commonly result from inflammation (uveitis)
- Other causes include injuries/trauma, cysts, ulcers, and surgical complications
- The most common symptoms are noticeable changes in the appearance of the eye such as an abnormal shape of the pupil, or iris strands attached to the cornea or the lens
- Other signs include pain, redness, and changes in vision
- Synechiae can be diagnosed through a complete ophthalmic examination
- There is no specific treatment for synechiae
- Most cases do not need treatment, but more serious cases might require anti-glaucoma medications
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A closer look: Synechiae in Dogs
The eye is made up of several components which act to translate the light received from viewing an object into electrical impulses for the brain. The cornea is the outermost part of the eye and forms the barrier between the eye and the environment around it. The iris is the colored ring part of the eye and reacts to the light dilating or contracting the pupil. The light then passes through the pupil and enters the lens which refines the inputted light and targets it to sensory components at the anterior of the eye. Synechiae is a condition where the iris is displaced, or altered from where it was originally, causing difficulties in vision and responses to light.
Synechiae is uncommon in dogs and generally is not associated with serious issues. Uncomplicated synechiae has a good prognosis. However, if accompanied by vision changes, pain/discomfort, redness or cloudiness, emergency care is required.
Iris bombe is when a 360-degree anterior synechiae (complete adhesion between the iris and the lens) and fluid is unable to drain from the eye. Iris bombe is a more serious condition that causes the iris to bow outwards and leads to secondary glaucoma, blindness, and serious pain. This also requires emergency care.
Risk factors
Certain breeds may be more predisposed to synechiae due to increased incidences of some of the causes. For example, golden retrievers and great danes are more prone to cysts on the iris which can cause synechiae.
In cases of 360 degrees synechiae (iris bombe), the overload of fluids can lead to glaucoma.
Symptoms associated with glaucoma include ocular pain and sudden blindness (running into objects, unwillingness to move).
Possible causes
Main symptoms
Testing and diagnosis
Synechiae is often visually apparent, so a visual ophthalmic examination is usually enough for a diagnosis. Additional tests may be required and include measuring the eye pressure and evaluating the eye’s reaction to the light.
Steps to Recovery
There is no specific treatment for synechiae and, often, there is no need for any particular therapy.
Treatment might be needed in more severe cases in which the iris is almost fully attached to the lens. In this case, anti-glaucoma medications might be needed.
Antibiotics and pain medications might also be prescribed.
The prognosis depends on the primary cause and severity of synechiae. In most cases, dogs lead a normal life and recover quickly. Regular, life-long eye-monitoring appointments might be needed.
Prevention
Synechiae is not contagious.
Prevention includes regular ophthalmic examinations and control of primary causes that can lead to a synechiae.
Is Synechiae in Dogs common?
Synechiae is uncommon in dogs, but it is a particularly common result secondary to uveitis.
Typical Treatment
Often, no specific treatment is needed. In more serious cases, treatments include:
- Anti-glaucoma medications
- Pain management
- Antibiotics
