UVEITIS - DOGS AND CATS

Uveitis is defined as inflammation of some or the entire uveal tract including iris, cilliary body, and choroid. It may be associated with inflammation of adjacent structures such as retina, vitreous sclera, and the cornea. Clinic signs of uveitis in dogs and cats include spasm of the eyelids, thickening of the inner eyelids, and redness of the white of the eye, a thickened white film on the cornea, constricted pupil, and blood in the intraocular fluid. Uveitis can be present in just one or both eyes. Uveitis in dogs and cats is a secondary problem, precipitated by a primary cause of intraocular vascular damage. Primary causes include: infection, trauma, auto-immune disease, parasites, and cancer. Diagnostics in dogs with uveitis should include blood chemistry, complete blood count, and heart worm test to begin with. In cats, blood chemistry and complete blood count should be run, but should also include blood tests for immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukaemia, and toxoplasmosis. Uveitis is a medical emergency that causes a great deal of pain, and can quickly lead to irreversible blindness. In treating uveitis, once an underlying cause is identified, specific treatment will be directed at the underlying disease process.