Canine Uveitis
"Canine uveitis is caused by inflammation in the uvea, the part of the eye that supplies blood. It can cause cataracts and glaucoma if left untreated. Treatment includes topical medications for pain and inflammation."
Uveitis is a condition where the part of the uvea, the part of the eye that supplies blood to the retina, becomes inflamed. The inflammation causes proteins to leak out resulting in cloudiness in the eye. Anterior uveitis and posterior uveitis refer to inflammation in different parts of the uvea. The condition is caused by: * Injury or trauma * Cataracts * Infections - Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever - Lyme disease - Ehrlichia (bacteria spread by ticks) - Infected uterus in females - Hepatitis virus - Systemic fungal infections * Tumors
Canine uveitis can cause cataracts, scar tissue formation, retinal disease and glaucoma.
Picture of Uveitis in a Dog

Symptoms of Uveitis in Dogs
Symptoms of uveitis in dogs include:* Cloudiness * Redness * Tearing * Squinting * Occasional bleeding within the eye (Hemmorage) * Vision Loss * Pain * Iris color change * Puss on the front of the eye (hypopyon)
Diagnosis of Uveitis
Your veterinarian can diagnose the condition using a ophthalmoscope, an instrument used to inspect the interior of the eye.Clinical signs include: * Reduced blood flow to the eye (hypermia) * Abnormal amount of fluid in the eye (edema) * Decreased intraocular pressure * Accumulation of blood in the front of the eye from trauma (hyphema) * Thickening of the iris * Solid particles inside the cornea (keratic precipitates) * Constriction of muscles in the eye (miosis)
Treatment of Dog Uveitis
Treatment for uveitis attempts to reduce the inflammation causing the condition in order to avoid the onset of glaucoma. It also involves treatment of any complications.Options include topical medication for inflammation, medication to reduce any pain. Antibiotics are prescribed in the case of infection and others to prevent the onset of glaucoma.
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Sources
A Medley of Canine Uveitus Situations C.M.H. Colitz Animal Eye Specialty Clinic, West Palm Beach, FL, USA
ACVO
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