Which vascular pathology of the fundus involves thinning of the retinal vessels?

Atrophy of the retinal vessels is characterized by a reduction in the thickness and overall size of the vascular structures within the retina. This pathological change indicates that there is a loss of cells or tissue in the area, which can be due to various degenerative processes or underlying systemic conditions. In veterinary ophthalmology, recognizing atrophy can reveal critical insights into the health of the retina and the potential impacts of systemic disease or longstanding ischemic changes.

In contrast, dilation refers to an expansion or widening of the vessels, usually indicating an increase in blood flow or pressure in those vessels. Hemorrhage involves the rupture of blood vessels, leading to the accumulation of blood within the retinal or surrounding tissues, while exudative changes refer to the accumulation of fluid or proteins in the retinal layers, resulting from inflammation or vascular permeability changes. Each of these conditions demonstrates different effects on retinal vasculature and can provide specific information related to the health of the eye.