Water-soluble fluorescent dye that stains areas of corneal epithelial defects (ulcers, abrasions) green-yellow under cobalt blue light, enabling detection of corneal damage and assessment of tear film integrity
At a glance
Class
Ophthalmic diagnostic dye
Storage
Below 25°C, keep strips in sealed foil until use
Dosing
Corneal ulcer detection, nasolacrimal patency testing, tear film assessment
Dose
1 strip or drop per eye
Frequency
Single application for diagnostics
Duration: Single use; repeat as needed for follow-up
Corneal ulcer detection, nasolacrimal patency testing
Dose
1 strip or drop per eye
Frequency
Single application for diagnostics
Duration: Single use
Safety
Adverse effects
Common
Transient stinging on application
Temporary yellow-green discoloration of tears
Serious
Allergic reaction (extremely rare)
Fluorescein retention patternCorneal ulcer size and depth
Interactions
No documented interactions.
Brands
International
Fluorescein Strips
Various (Haag-Streit)
Flu-Glo
Hub Pharmaceuticals
India
Fluorescein Strips
Optitech
Fluress
Entod Pharmaceuticals
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Fluorescein Sodium?
Fluorescein Sodium is a ophthalmic diagnostic dye used in pets. Water-soluble fluorescent dye that stains areas of corneal epithelial defects (ulcers, abrasions) green-yellow under cobalt blue light, enabling detection of corneal damage and assessment of tear film integrity
›What is Fluorescein Sodium used for in pets?
Fluorescein Sodium is used in veterinary medicine for: Corneal ulcer detection, nasolacrimal patency testing, tear film assessment; Corneal ulcer detection, nasolacrimal patency testing.
›What is the Fluorescein Sodium dose for dogs?
For dogs, Fluorescein Sodium is typically dosed as follows — Corneal ulcer detection, nasolacrimal patency testing, tear film assessment: 1 strip or drop per eye topical ophthalmic Single application for diagnostics. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Fluorescein Sodium dose for cats?
For cats, Fluorescein Sodium is typically dosed as follows — Corneal ulcer detection, nasolacrimal patency testing: 1 strip or drop per eye topical ophthalmic Single application for diagnostics. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Fluorescein Sodium?
Common: Transient stinging on application, Temporary yellow-green discoloration of tears. Serious (call your vet immediately): Allergic reaction (extremely rare).
›Does Fluorescein Sodium need a prescription?
Fluorescein Sodium is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.
References
References
Textbooks & handbooks
- Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
- Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
- Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
- The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
Clinical guidelines & consensus
- Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.
Journals & peer-reviewed studies
- Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
- Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Regulatory & approvals
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/
Databases
- Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
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