Content
- What is the uvea?
- Dog uveitis symptoms and diagnosis
- Causes of Uveitis in Dogs
- Treatments for Uveitis in Dogs
You eyes of the dogs they are susceptible to various diseases. Any change you notice in shape, color or discharge is indicative for immediate consultation. So if you notice any of the signs we're going to mention in this article or other warning symptoms, don't hesitate to find your trusted veterinarian.
If you want to know more about one of the eye diseases of dogs, continue reading this article by PeritoAnimal in which we will explain about the uveitis in dogs, causes and treatment.
What is the uvea?
To better understand what uveitis in dogs is, it is essential to clarify the anatomy of the dog's eye. Therefore, the uvea or vascular tunic is the middle layer of the eye., with the external being fibrous (cornea and sclera) and the internal being formed by the retina. It is formed by three structures that, from front to back, are: the iris, the ciliary body (anterior part) and the choroid (posterior part).
The uvea is a structure that provides vascularization to the eyeball, many systemic diseases can affect the eye via blood. When any of the structures that make up this tunic becomes inflamed, for any reason, called uveitis occurs.
Dog uveitis symptoms and diagnosis
A dog with uveitis will have general symptoms such as decay and anorexia. It will also have specific symptoms such as the following:
- Blepharospasm, eyelid closing due to pain;
- Epiphora, excessive tearing;
- Hyphema, blood inside the eye;
- Photophobia;
- Corneal edema, blue/grey eye.
In addition, uveitis in dogs can present unilaterally or bilaterally (and when it affects both eyes it can suggest a possible systemic cause).
On the other hand, a collaboration between the animal's tutor and the veterinarian is necessary for a correct diagnosis of uveitis in dogs. On the part of the tutor, he/she will have to explain all the changes that he/she observed in the eyes of your dog and other relevant symptoms. With these data, the veterinarian will be able to carry out a correct anamnesis, along with complementary exams.
Between the exams that the veterinarian will perform for the diagnosis, are the following:
- Complete eye exploration with ophthalmoscope;
- Slit lamp, tonometry and ocular ultrasound. To perform these tests, you will likely need to see a veterinarian ophthalmologist as these are not routine tests and the veterinarian may not have these tools;
- Corneal staining;
- General exams such as blood tests, serological tests related to infectious diseases, radiography and ultrasound may also be necessary.
Causes of Uveitis in Dogs
As we said, uveitis is inflammation of any of the structures that make up the uvea, due to endogenous or exogenous damage. Starting with the first, the endogenous or intraocular causes can be:
- Inflammatory: uveitis is caused due to the inflammatory reaction generated, for example, by cataracts;
- Infectious: Infectious diseases such as feline leukemia, distemper, leishmaniasis, etc., can cause uveitis. They can be of viral, bacterial, parasitic or even fungal origin;
- Eye neoplasms;
- Immune-mediated: certain races, such as the Norse.
At exogenous or extraocular causes can be:
- Injuries: accidents or strokes;
- Medicines;
- Metabolic: endocrine diseases;
- High blood pressure: in cases of renal failure, high blood pressure can occur, which can lead to uveitis;
- Systemic infections such as pyometra (uterine infections) can also cause uveitis in dogs;
- Idiopathic: when the cause cannot be determined.
Treatments for Uveitis in Dogs
O treatment for uveitis in dogs is the combination of medications suitable according to the type of uveitis of your furry companion. Early treatment is very important, don't let time go by waiting for spontaneous solutions. A common mistake is to see a dog's red eye and clean it at home, thinking it is simple conjunctivitis.
It is very important to establish treatment for uveitis in dogs as soon as possible, as it is a serious disease and lack of control can lead to complications such as blindness, glaucoma, cataracts, eye loss, chronic pain, among others, which can even lead to loss of eye.
Among the medications prescribed by the veterinarian are:
- Systemic anti-inflammatory;
- Topical anti-inflammatory (eye drops, ointment, etc.);
- Cycloplegic medications to inhibit pain;
- Topical antibiotic in case of ulcers and infection;
- Immunosuppressive drugs in case of immune-mediated uveitis;
- Eliminate the primary cause, if any (pyometra, infection, etc.).
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.