What is meant by "hyphema" in veterinary medicine?

Hyphema specifically refers to the presence of blood in the anterior chamber of the eye, which is the space between the cornea and the iris. In veterinary medicine, this condition often indicates trauma, inflammation, or various ocular diseases that can lead to bleeding.

Detecting hyphema typically requires a thorough ophthalmic examination, including the use of a slit lamp or direct visualization. The identification of blood in this area is crucial for diagnosing underlying issues, which may range from benign to life-threatening conditions depending on the cause of the bleeding.

Other options do not describe hyphema accurately, as they refer to different ocular conditions or areas. For example, fluid accumulation in the vitreous chamber is known as hyalosis, swelling of the eyelid is referred to as blepharedema, and infection of the conjunctiva is termed conjunctivitis. Understanding these differences is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment in veterinary ophthalmology.