Anterior Uveitis in Dogs
Uveitis is inflammation of the uveal tract, which consists of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. It is common in dogs because these tissues are highly vascularized and immunologically active. Anterior uveitis includes iritis, cyclitis, and iridocyclitis, while posterior uveitis includes choroiditis and chorioretinitis.
Uveitis may occur secondary to disease of the lens, cornea, or sclera. It may be a primary ocular disease or may develop secondary to systemic neoplastic, infectious, fungal, parasitic, viral, bacterial, autoimmune, toxic, or metabolic disorders. Causes listed in the source include fungal infections such as Blastomyces dermatitidis, histoplasmosis, Cryptococcus neoformans, and coccidioidomycosis; parasitic infections such as Dirofilaria immitis, Onchocerca lupi, Toxocara canis, Leishmania infantum, and Toxoplasma gondii; CAV-1; bacterial infections such as Brucella canis, Bartonella spp., Leptospira spp., and Ehrlichia canis; autoimmune conditions including uveodermatologic syndrome and pancreatitis as listed in the source; and metabolic disease such as hyperlipidemia.
The source states that more than 50% of canine uveitis cases are secondary to systemic disease. Because uveitis can cause loss of vision or can be a sign of a life-threatening illness, identifying its cause is important. Anterior uveitis may affect one or both eyes and can be markedly painful, producing blepharospasm and photophobia. Epiphora, ocular discharge, and third eyelid protrusion may occur. Ocular redness, conjunctival hyperemia, scleral injection, and corneal neovascularization are visible. Cloudiness may result from corneal edema, keratic precipitates, and fibrin. Hypopyon or hyphema may occur. The iris becomes darker and may develop rubeosis iridis. The pupil is constricted, with possible anisocoria and dyscoria. Complications include synechiae, secondary glaucoma, cataract, and iris bombe.
Treatment
Diagnosis is established by ophthalmic examination. Investigation of the cause includes complete blood count, serum biochemistry, and serologic testing for infectious disease. If neoplasia is suspected, thoracic radiography, abdominal ultrasonography, fine-needle aspiration of lymph nodes, blood-smear examination, and other appropriate tests are performed. Treatment consists of topical and systemic anti-inflammatory medications plus specific therapy for the underlying cause and complications.
Uveitis in a dog. Keratic precipitates are visible in the ventral half of the edematous cornea.
Uveitis in a dog. Whitish bands of fibrin are visible in the anterior chamber.
Chronic uveitis in a dog. Keratic precipitates and posterior synechiae, indicated by the red arrow, are present.
Adapted from the Atlas of Ocular Diseases in Dogs and Cats by Dr. Siniša D. Grozdanić and colleagues. © Animal Eye Consultants of Iowa. The text and clinical images on this page are original content from the authors' own clinical practice and research, and may not be reproduced, distributed, or repurposed without permission.
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