What glows under a Wood's lamp in cats? - briefly
Under a Woods lamp, certain substances in cats fluoresce due to their molecular structure. These include porphyrins and some types of bacteria that produce porphyrin-like compounds.
What glows under a Wood's lamp in cats? - in detail
Under a Woods lamp, several substances in cats can fluoresce, providing valuable information for veterinary diagnostics. The Woods lamp emits ultraviolet-A (UVA) light, which excites certain compounds, causing them to emit visible light. Here are some of the substances that glow under a Woods lamp in cats:
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Fur: Many cats have fur that contains fluorescent pigments. These pigments absorb the UVA light and re-emit it as visible light, often appearing blue or green under the Woods lamp. This is particularly notable in some breeds like the Siamese and Himalayan, where the points (ears, tail, paws) may show a distinctive glow.
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Eyes: The eyes of cats also exhibit fluorescence under a Woods lamp due to the presence of certain compounds in the cornea and lens. This can help veterinarians detect abnormalities such as corneal ulcers or cataracts, which may appear differently under UV light compared to normal eye structures.
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Tears: Cats' tears contain fluorescein, a compound that glows bright green under the Woods lamp. This is commonly used in veterinary ophthalmology to detect corneal abrasions or other eye injuries. A drop of fluorescein solution is applied to the eye, and if there are any defects, they will appear as bright green areas under the UV light.
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Fungal Infections: Certain fungal infections, such as those caused by Microsporum canis (ringworm), can also fluoresce under a Woods lamp. This is due to the presence of specific compounds called psoralens in the fungi. Identifying these infections using a Woods lamp can be a crucial first step in diagnosis and treatment.
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Bacterial Infections: Some bacterial infections, particularly those involving Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can produce fluorescent compounds known as pyoverdins. These compounds glow under UV light, helping veterinarians to identify and monitor bacterial infections in cats.
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Urine: Cat urine often contains fluorescent compounds that can be detected under a Woods lamp. This is particularly useful in diagnosing conditions like cystitis or other urinary tract issues, where the presence of certain substances can indicate infection or inflammation.
In summary, the Woods lamp is an essential tool in veterinary medicine for diagnosing a variety of conditions in cats. By identifying which substances fluoresce under UV light, veterinarians can gain valuable insights into the health status of their feline patients.