Dacryocystitis
 
Description of the Disease and Clinical Picture
Dacryocystitis represents inflammation of the lacrimal sac and the nasolacrimal duct. It can occur as a result of primary bacterial infection, most commonly due to stenosis or obliteration of the tear duct. The lacrimal duct can narrow or become blocked due to the presence of a foreign body (Foxtail plant seeds), fractures of facial bones, neoplasms of the sinus or facial bones that compress the nasolacrimal duct, as well as due to periodontal diseases of the premolars. In the clinical picture, epiphora, which is most often unilateral, predominates. Later, chronic mucopurulent discharge from the eye can be observed. Swelling may appear at the site of the lacrimal sac (if a cyst or abscess forms), which can be painful to touch.
 
Therapy
The diagnosis of blocked tear ducts is made using the not-so-reliable "Jones" test with fluorescein (fluorescein put into the eye, if the nasolacrimal duct is clear, should appear from the ipsilateral nostril within 10-15 minutes). The diagnosis can also be made by irrigating the nasolacrimal duct through the lacrimal punctum, where reflux of mucopurulent content indicates obstruction, and if mucopurulent content appears on the opposite opening, it suggests inflammation of the nasolacrimal duct. The diagnosis can also be confirmed with the help of X-rays, MRI, and CT scans, which will be more successful if contrast material is injected into the nasolacrimal duct. After diagnosis, the cause of the obstruction is addressed. Often, somewhat aggressive irrigation can remove the obstacle (foreign body, accumulated exudate) from the nasolacrimal duct. Sometimes this can be aided by catheterization or special forceps. Sometimes surgical intervention is necessary to remove the cause of the obstruction. After these procedures, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are applied both locally and systemically. If it is not possible to establish the patency of the nasolacrimal duct, a fistula between the tear sac and nasal cavity needs to be created to provide an alternative pathway for tear drainage.
 
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(oculusklinika@gmail.com) in Serbia, Europe to schedule an appointment so your pet
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