Uveitis is characterised as inflammation of the entire or part of the uveal tract. Posterior uveitis or chorioretinitis refers to inflammation of the choroid and retina, whileanterior uveitis or iridocyclitis refers to inflammation of the iris and ciliary body.
What Are The Causes Of Uveitis In DogsAnd Cats?
Causes of uveitis in cats and dogs include:
- Tick born disease such as Erhlichia, Rickettsia, and Lyme Disease
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
- Feline immunodeficiency virus
- Feline infectious peritonitis
- Bartonellosis (Cat scratch fever)
- Neoplasia
- Idiopathic
- Toxoplasmosis
- Fungal infections
- Parasitic disease due to heartworm disease or intestinal parasites
Irrespective of the cause, uveitis needs care to prevent secondary glaucoma, permanent blindness, and pain.
What Are The Clinical Signs In A Pet With Uveitis?
A pet with uveitis will usually develop a number of eye-related symptoms, including:-
- Changes to the eye without a specific cause
- Excessive blinking
- Increased squinting
- Watery discharge of the eye
- increased sensitivity to light
- Conjunctivitis
- Subtle changes may also involve a more generally dull appearance of the eye.
How Is Uveitis In Cats And Dogs Diagnosed?
Uveitis may present a number of other eye conditions in a similar manner. A veterinarian will inspect the eye of the pet to prevent other potential causes of symptoms, such as glaucoma and corneal ulcers. It is important that a prompt and accurate diagnosis is made in order to provide the necessary prognosis and care. In addition to the magnification of the uveal tract, special diagnostic techniques such as ultrasound can be used for eye examination.Additional work-up and diagnostic tests may also be required to determine the underlying cause of uveitis.
Is There Any Treatment For This Disease?
Uveitis must be treated to avoid glaucoma, uveal structure scarring, and blindness. Different medications may be used to treat the underlying cause of uveitis and to try to control the inflammation itself. Aspirin and corticosteroids reduce inflammatory processes. Topical use must be delayed if there is damage to the corneal surface because corticosteroids hinder the healing of the ulcer.If such systemic infections are suspected, oral corticosteroids may be withheld until the test results are available. Atropine dilates the pupil and helps protect the iris from scarring. This drug may also be usually prescribed; however, if glaucoma is present, it may further minimize the drainage of aqueous humor from the eye. Oral and topical antibiotics are used when bacterial infections are found in the eye.
