Canine & Feline Uveitis
Uveitis in dogs and cats is a painful, vision-threatening inflammation of the uveal tract, often secondary to systemic infections, immune-mediated disease, or trauma. Prompt recognition, identification of the underlying cause, and targeted anti-inflammatory therapy are essential for preserving vision and preventing complications.
Canine and Feline Uveitis
Definition:Inflammation of the uveal tract: iris, ciliary body, and choroid.
Causes (High-Yield):
Dogs: Tick-borne diseases (Ehrlichia, RMSF), blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, uveodermatologic syndrome, lens-induced (e.g. phacolytic/phacoclastic), trauma.
Cats: FIP, FeLV, FIV, Toxoplasma, fungal (esp. Cryptococcus), lymphoma.
Clinical Signs:
Blepharospasm, photophobia, epiphora
Aqueous flare (Tyndall effect)
Miosis, hypotony
Iris color change
Hyphema or hypopyon
Secondary glaucoma or cataracts (chronic)
Diagnosis:
Tonometry (↓ IOP early, ↑ if glaucoma develops)
Slit lamp exam
Fundic exam (if no hyphema)
CBC, chem, infectious disease testing (tick panel, FeLV/FIV, Toxo, FIP, fungal serology)
Treatment:
Topical steroids (e.g., prednisolone acetate)
Topical NSAIDs (e.g., diclofenac)
Systemic antibiotics or antifungals (if indicated)
Atropine to control pain and prevent synechiae
Treat underlying cause
Prognosis:Varies with cause and chronicity. Poor if secondary glaucoma develops.
NAVLE Tip:Know the infectious causes in cats, and that aqueous flare is a classic finding. Decreased IOP is a key early sign.
Further reading (veterinary source):
Merck Veterinary Manual: Anterior Uveitis in Small Animals
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