Canine Uveitis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

In order to better understand what canine uveitis consists of, it is essential to clarify what the anatomy of the dog's eye is like. The uvea or vascular tunic is the middle layer of the eye, the outer layer being the fibrous (cornea and sclera) and the inner layer being the retina. It is made up of three structures that from front to back are: the iris, the ciliary body (front), and the choroid (back).

The uvea is a structure that provides vascularization to the eyeball, so many systemic diseases can affect the eye via the bloodstream. When any of the structures that make up this tunic becomes inflamed for whatever reason, the so-called uveitis occurs. It should be noted that the uvea plays a crucial role in supplying nutrients and oxygen to the eye tissues, highlighting its significance in maintaining ocular health.

Uveitis in dogs is when inflammation of one or more of the structures making up the uvea occurs. If all three structures are involved, the inflammation is called true uveitis or pan-uveitis. If only the ciliary body and the iris are inflamed, it is called anterior uveitis, while inflammation of the choroid is called posterior uveitis.

Therefore, the different types of uveitis include:

• Anterior uveitis (front of the eye), often referred to as "iritis" because it affects the iris.
• Intermediate uveitis (middle of the eye).
• Posterior uveitis (back of the eye).
• Pan-uveitis (all parts of the eye).

Each type has its own implications for the dog's vision and overall eye health, and understanding these differences is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

As we said, uveitis is the inflammation of any of the structures that make up the uvea due to endogenous or exogenous damage. Starting with the former, endogenous or intraocular causes can be due to:

• Inflammation: uveitis is caused due to an inflammatory reaction generated, for example, by cataracts.
• Infections: infectious diseases such as leukemia, distemper, leishmaniasis, etc., can cause uveitis among other symptoms. They can be of viral, bacterial, parasitic and even fungal origin.
• Ocular neoplasms: abnormal growths within the eye can lead to inflammation.
• Immune-mediated: certain breeds, such as Nordic dogs, are more prone to immune-mediated uveitis.

Exogenous or extra-ocular causes can be due to:

• Trauma: accidents or blows.
• Drugs: certain medications can induce uveitis as a side effect.
• Metabolic: endocrine diseases, such as diabetes, can affect eye health.
• Arterial hypertension: in cases of kidney failure, there may be high blood pressure that can cause uveitis.
• Systemic infections such as pyometra (infections of the uterus) can also cause it.
• Idiopathic: when the cause cannot be determined, which can be frustrating but is unfortunately common.

Understanding these causes is crucial, as it guides the treatment approach and helps in preventing future episodes.

Dogs with uveitis will present general symptoms such as reddened eyes or severe pain, and specific symptoms such as the following:

• Blepharospasm, closing of the eyelids due to pain.
• Epiphora, excessive lacrimation.
• Hyphema, blood inside the eye, which can be alarming for pet owners.
• Photophobia, sensitivity to light.
• Corneal edema, blue/gray eye appearance.

In addition, canine uveitis can occur unilaterally or bilaterally (when both eyes are affected, it gives us information about a possible systemic cause). It's essential to monitor these symptoms closely, as early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

Therefore, if you see that your dog has a red mark in their eye, cloudy eyes, or any other abnormalities in their behavior or appearance, it's best you take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible, before the uveitis progresses and causes permanent damage to your dog. Keep in mind that severe uveitis can result in irreversible blindness. Early intervention is critical in preventing such severe consequences.

For a correct diagnosis of uveitis in dogs, a collaboration between the owner and the veterinarian will be necessary. On the part of the owner, they will explain all the changes that they have observed in their dog's eyes and any other relevant symptoms. With this information, the veterinarian will be able to carry out a correct anamnesis together with the complementary tests. Some of these tests include:

• Complete eye examination with ophthalmoscope to inspect the internal structures of the eye.
• Slit lamp, tonometry, and ocular ultrasound. To perform these tests, it is likely that we will have to go to an ophthalmologist veterinarian, since they are not routine tests and our veterinarian may not have these tools.
• Corneal staining to check for ulcers or other damage on the eye surface.
• General tests such as blood tests, serology against infectious diseases, radiography, and ultrasound may also be necessary to rule out systemic health issues.

These tests are vital not only for confirming the presence of uveitis but also for identifying underlying causes that may require specific treatments.

The treatment for uveitis in dogs usually comprises a combination of suitable medication according to the type of uveitis our dog has, and in severe cases, it may also include surgery.

Among the drugs prescribed by our veterinarian will be:

• Systemic anti-inflammatory medications to reduce overall inflammation.
• Topical anti-inflammatory treatments (eye drops, ointment, etc.) to directly target the affected area.
• Cycloplegic drugs to inhibit pain and reduce muscle spasms in the eye.
• Topical antibiotics in case of ulcers and infection to prevent further complications.
• Immunosuppressive drugs for immune-mediated uveitis to control the immune system's response.
• Addressing the primary cause if it exists, such as treating a pyometra or other underlying infection.

Early treatment is very important, especially for a good prognosis. You mustn't let time go by thinking it may resolve on its own. As we've previously mentioned, if left untreated, this eye disorder can cause irreversible damage to our dog. A common mistake is to see the red eye in our dog and clean it at home thinking that it is a simple conjunctivitis. However, if you see it is still there for a couple of days, it's always best to take them to the veterinarian for a check-up.

It is very important to establish treatment for uveitis in dogs as soon as possible, since it is a serious disease and a lack of control can lead to complications such as blindness, glaucoma, cataracts, loss of vision, chronic pain, etc. Talk to your veterinarian to see what treatment is best for your dog. Regular check-ups can help monitor the condition and adjust treatments as needed, ensuring your dog's eye health is preserved.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Canine Uveitis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment, we recommend you visit our Eye problems category.