Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. It can be divided into anterior and posterior inflammation and manifests itself through a narrow pupil and reddened conjunctiva.
The middle layer of the eye (uvea) consists of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. It supplies the eye with oxygen, sugar, and other important nutrients via its numerous blood vessels. If only the iris and ciliary body are affected, this is referred to as anterior uveitis. Inflammation of the choroid and the retina directly above it is called posterior uveitis.
Uveitis in dogs can have many different causes, which can be broadly divided into exogenous (external) and endogenous (internal) triggers.
Exogenous triggers include blunt or sharp injuries to the eye caused by external factors, foreign bodies, spreading inflammation of the eye, or tumors.
Endogenous triggers of uveitis are further divided according to their origin into:
This type of uveitis is caused by an excessive reaction of the body's own immune system, the exact triggers of which cannot be found in most cases. The immune response is directed against the body's own cells in the uvea, leading to an inflammatory reaction. It is by far the most common form of uveitis.
A variety of different bacterial, viral, or parasitic infectious diseases can cause uveitis. These include travel-related diseases such as babesiosis or leishmaniasis, distemper, herpes, parvovirus, Lyme disease, toxoplasmosis, as well as heartworm infections and fungal infections.
Certain toxins can also trigger uveitis. For example, after uterine infection due to pyemia (presence of pus-forming bacteria in the blood) or liver or kidney failure, toxins can accumulate in the blood and lead to uveitis.
Uveitis can also be a side effect of diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or hyperlipoproteinemia.
The condition can affect one or both eyes and is virtually symptom-free in its early stages, which is why it often goes undetected. As it progresses, more obvious symptoms appear, such as increased blinking, reddened conjunctiva, clouding of the eye, and a narrowed pupil. Profuse tearing, squinting, or increased sensitivity to light indicate that the inflammation is painful. Affected animals therefore try to scratch the affected eye or rub it against objects. As the disease progresses, the pupil may become irregular in shape and the iris may change color, which is particularly noticeable when only one eye is affected.
The attending veterinarian will first perform a general clinical examination, after which they will usually only express an initial suspicion. In particular, inflammation of the inner eye in its early stages is difficult to detect without special technical instruments.
To confirm the diagnosis and determine the exact cause of the uveitis, a special examination of the eyes is necessary. With the help of various special instruments, such as a slit lamp or an ophthalmoscope, the different areas of the eye can be examined in detail. As part of the eye examinations, the veterinarian may also measure the intraocular pressure, perform a chamber water puncture, or conduct an ultrasound examination of the eye.
Depending on the severity and extent of the disease, additional tests may be necessary to determine the exact cause. In many cases, a blood test is performed to diagnose any infectious diseases. Other possible causes can be clarified with the help of ultrasound or X-ray examinations of other areas of the body. Your veterinary practice will advise you in detail on the necessary tests in each individual case.
Treatment depends largely on the cause and extent of the inflammation. If the cause is known, it must be eliminated or treated. If no cause can be found, only the symptoms are treated. Acute inflammation in the eye should always be treated immediately with appropriate anti-inflammatory and pupil-dilating eye drops or ointments to prevent the inflammation from progressing and destroying important tissue in the inner eye. In some cases, additional medication must be administered via the food.
If the cause is unclear and the disease is already advanced, it may not be possible to completely cure the disease and the animal may require lifelong medication. Your veterinarian will develop an individual treatment plan for your pet based on its specific case.
The prognosis depends greatly on the cause of the inflammation and when it is diagnosed. The earlier uveitis is detected and treated, the better the prognosis. In chronic cases or if complications arise, the prognosis can deteriorate significantly.
Prevention is not possible due to the often unidentifiable cause. However, regular veterinary check-ups of the eyes, especially in older animals, can help to detect and treat inflammation at an early stage.
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