Hereditary Uveitis and Glaucoma Syndrome of Golden Retrievers

Hereditary uveitis and glaucoma syndrome of Golden Retrievers is also known as pigmentary uveitis or Golden Retriever pigmentary glaucoma. It occurs in dogs five to ten years of age or older. According to the source, more than 50% of affected dogs lose vision within one year of the first clinical signs. Prognosis is substantially better when the disease is recognized and treated early.

The earliest clinical signs are a pigment deposit on the anterior lens capsule, most often radially oriented, conjunctival hyperemia, and ocular hypotony. Uveal cysts and fibrinous debris in the anterior chamber, cataract, and anterior and posterior synechiae may also be seen. Aqueous humor may become cloudy and free pigment may accumulate within the trabecular meshwork. These changes lead to secondary glaucoma, usually bilateral but asymmetric. Because the disorder is considered hereditary, breeding affected animals is not recommended.

Treatment

Diagnosis is established by ophthalmic examination and recognition of characteristic clinical signs. Steroidal and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications are used. Secondary glaucoma associated with this syndrome often responds poorly to treatment. If an animal presents at a late stage with uncontrolled intraocular pressure and a blind painful eye, enucleation is recommended.

Pigmentary uveitis in a Golden Retriever. Biomicroscopic examination shows posterior synechiae with pigment deposition, red arrow, and a large pigmented cyst, blue arrow.

Pigmentary uveitis in a Golden Retriever. Pigment deposit on the anterior lens capsule.

Pigmentary uveitis in a Golden Retriever. Pigment deposition on the anterior lens capsule and multiple transparent cysts in the posterior chamber, red arrow.

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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