Anterior uveitis in Dogs and Cats refers to inflammation primarily affecting the iris and ciliary body of the eye. It causes symptoms such as redness, pain, and discharge. Prompt management is essential to control inflammation, alleviate pain, and prevent complications.
What is the Uvea?
The uvea, the vascular layer of the eye, consists of:
- Iris: Regulates the amount of light entering the eye through the pupil.
- Ciliary Body: Alters the lens shape and produces aqueous humor.
- Choroid: Supplies nutrients to the retina.
What is Anterior Uveitis?
Anterior uveitis typically results from ocular injury or an underlying systemic disease. Causes vary:
- In dogs: trauma, cancers, foreign bodies, advanced cataracts, leptospirosis, brucellosis, ehrlichiosis.
- In cats: trauma, cancers, foreign bodies, advanced cataracts, FIV, FeLV, FIP, toxoplasmosis.
- Sometimes, the cause remains idiopathic (unknown).
Common Symptoms of Anterior Uveitis In Dogs and Cats
Clinical signs frequently include:
- Eye redness
- Discharge
- Blepharospasm (excessive blinking, partially closed eye)
- Changes in eye appearance (blood presence, corneal opacity)
- Miosis (constricted pupil)
Diagnosis of Anterior Uveitis in Dogs ans Cats
Diagnosis involves a comprehensive eye examination including:
- Ophthalmoscopic exam
- Tonometry (measurement of intraocular pressure)
- Schirmer test (tear production)
- Fluorescein test (detection of corneal ulcers)
- Tyndall test (detecting proteins or cells in the anterior chamber)
- Neuro-ophthalmologic evaluation
Additional tests may be performed to identify specific infectious agents.
Treatment of Anterior Uveitis in Dogs and Cats
Treatment aims at:
- Rapid control of inflammation
- Pain relief
- Prevention of secondary infections
- Treatment of identified underlying causes
Depending on severity, your veterinarian may prescribe:
- Topical and systemic anti-inflammatory medications
- Mydriatics/cycloplegics (to prevent complications such as synechiae)
- Local and systemic antibiotics
- Systemic pain relievers
In some cases, systemic immunomodulators might be necessary.
Prognosis of Anterior Uveitis
The prognosis depends on the underlying cause. Potential complications include glaucoma, cataracts, posterior synechiae, or blindness. Early treatment and rigorous veterinary follow-up are essential to minimize these risks.
