The eyes of our dogs are susceptible to different diseases. Any change that we observe in its shape, color or secretion is indicative of immediate review. So, if you see any of these signs, or other warning symptoms, don't hesitate to go to the vet.
If you want to know more about one of the ophthalmological diseases of our furry friends, keep reading this article on our site in which we will deal with uveitis in dogs, its causes and treatment.
What is the uvea?
In order to better understand what canine uveitis consists of, it is essential to clarify the anatomy of the dog's eye. Thus, the uvea or vascular tunic is the middle layer of the eye, the outer layer being fibrous (cornea and sclera) and the inner layer 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, so many systemic diseases can affect the eye via blood. When any of the structures that make up this layer becomes inflamed for whatever reason, it is called uveitis.
Signs of uveitis in dogs and diagnosis
The dog with uveitis will present general symptoms such as decay and anorexia, and specific symptoms such as the following:
- Blepharospasm, closing of the eyelids due to pain.
- Epiphora, excessive tearing.
- Hyphema, blood inside the eye.
- Photophobia
- Cornal edema, blue/gray eye.
In addition, canine uveitis can occur unilaterally or bilaterally (as both eyes are affected, it gives us information about a possible systemic cause).
On the other hand, a correct diagnosis of uveitis in dogs requires collaboration between the owner and the veterinarian. On the part of the owner, he will explain all the changes he has observed in his dog's eyes and any other relevant symptoms. With these data, the veterinarian will be able to carry out a correct anamnesis together with the complementary tests.
Enter the tests that our veterinarian will carry out for diagnosis are:
- Complete eye examination with ophthalmoscope.
- Slit lamp, tonometry and ocular ultrasound. To carry out these tests, it is likely that we will have to go to a veterinary ophthalmologist, since they are not routine tests and it is possible that our veterinarian does not have these tools.
- Corneal staining.
- General tests such as blood tests, serologies for infectious diseases, radiography and ultrasound may also be necessary.
Causes of uveitis in dogs
As we said, uveitis is the inflammation of any of the structures that form 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 among other symptoms. They can be of viral, bacterial, parasitic and even fungal origin.
- Ocular neoplasms.
- Immune-mediated: certain races such as the Nordics.
The exogenous or extraocular causes can be:
- Injuries: accidents or blows.
- Drugs.
- Metabolic: endocrine diseases.
- Arterial hypertension: in cases of renal insufficiency, arterial hypertension can occur that can cause uveitis.
- Systemic infections such as pyometras (uterus infections) can also cause it.
- Idiopathic: when the cause cannot be determined.
Treatment for uveitis in dogs
The treatment for uveitis in dogs that is carried out is the combination of appropriate drugs depending on the type of uveitis of our furry co-worker.
Early treatment is very important, we must not let time pass waiting for spontaneous solutions. A common mistake is to see the red eye in our dog and clean it at home thinking that it is a simple conjunctivitis.
It is very important to start treatment for uveitis in dogs as soon as possible, since it is a serious disease and uncontrolled can lead to complications such as blindness, glaucoma, cataracts, loss of the eye, chronic pain, etc., and may even lose the eye.
Among the drugs prescribed by our veterinarian will be:
- Systemic anti-inflammatory.
- Topical anti-inflammatory (eye drops, ointment, etc.).
- Cyclopegic drugs to inhibit pain.
- Topical antibiotic in case of ulcers and infection.
- Immunopressor drugs in case of immune-mediated uveitis.
- Eliminate the primary cause if it exists (pyometra, infection, etc.)
