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ICHV is now
largely controlled by vaccination in the UK using tissue culture adapted virus which is
used either alive or inactivated. Some dog breed societies (e.g. Afghans, Red Setters and
Saluki) consider the live vaccines to be contra-indicated because of keratitis 1-3 weeks
after vaccination. Keratitis results from CAV 1 replicating in the ciliary body and
entering the anterior chamber. Antibody passes into the aqueous humour and immune
complexes of CAV-1 and antibody activate complement. PMNs then bind the complexes via C1q
and release proteases, collagenases, elastases and oxygen radicles. These radicles cause
the corneal oedema and opacity - blue eye (local Coombs type 111). The keratitis is
likely to heal in a few days once virus replication has finished. The cornea can be
protected against secondary infection by antibiotic eye drops. Cortisone, which delays
repair and increases the chance of corneal rupture, should not be used. |