Uveitis is inflammation of the eye’s vascular layer, known as the uvea. Anterior uveitis in cats is common and requires prompt veterinary attention due to potential severity.
Causes of Anterior Uveitis in cats
Several factors may trigger uveitis in cats, including:
- Trauma: Eye injuries, accidents.
- Infections: Viral (FIV, FeLV, FIP), bacterial (Bartonella henselae), parasitic (Toxoplasma gondii), fungal.
- Tumors: Iris melanoma, lymphoma.
- Autoimmune diseases: Inflammatory responses directed against eye structures.
- Idiopathic: No identifiable cause.
Symptoms
Clinical signs of uveitis in cats include:
- Eye pain: Blepharospasm (excessive blinking), photophobia (light sensitivity).
- Redness: Conjunctival hyperemia.
- Pupil changes: Miosis (pupil constriction).
- Eye opacity: Presence of keratic precipitates, hypopyon (pus in the anterior chamber).
- Reduced vision: Due to inflammation and potential complications.
Diagnosis
To diagnose uveitis, your veterinarian will perform:
- Complete clinical examination: Assessing your cat’s overall health.
- Ophthalmologic examination: Measuring intraocular pressure, fundus examination.
- Blood and urine tests: Identifying underlying infections or systemic diseases.
- Specific tests: Serology and PCR to detect infectious agents.
Treatment
Treatment goals include:
- Reducing inflammation: Administration of steroidal or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
- Pain management: Using mydriatic agents to dilate the pupil.
- Addressing underlying causes: Antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals, depending on etiology.
- Preventing complications: Regular monitoring to avoid glaucoma or adhesions (synechiae).
Importance of Prompt Management of Anterior Uveitis in Cats
Untreated uveitis can seriously compromise the eye and vision, potentially leading to synechiae, cataracts, or glaucoma. Regular follow-ups and careful monitoring of treatment response are essential to preserve your cat’s vision.
