Anterior uveitis is inflammation of the anterior chamber in the eye. This type of uveitis can be caused by many different factors, and it's important to get treatment from a veterinarian as soon as possible. The most common symptom of anterior uveitis in dogs is redness within the anterior chamber of the eye, but other symptoms include squinting and discharge. The prognosis for anterior uveitis in dogs is good once the underlying cause has been determined and treated. However, if left untreated, this condition could lead to blindness or cataracts over time. For this reason, you must bring your dog in to see your veterinarian right away if they have any signs or symptoms of anterior uveitis!
What is anterior uveitis?
Uveitis is a medical term that refers to any type of eye inflammation, which includes the iris, choroid, and ciliary body. Two main types of uveitis can occur; Anterior uveitis and posterior uveitis. With anterior uveitis, inflammation is present within the anterior chamber of the eye including the iris and ciliary body. Posterior uveitis is inflammation in the posterior chamber of the eye, around the choroid and retina.
What causes anterior uveitis in dogs?
Uveitis is a description of the condition without denoting its underlying cause. There are many causes of uveitis, which can be influenced by factors such as the geographic region where the animal resides, the area he or she travels to, the environment, and the age, breed, and sex of the animal. Some common causes of anterior uveitis in dogs include:
- Lens-induced uveitis which occurs secondary to cataracts
- Systemic infections (E.g. viral: distemper virus; bacterial: leptospirosis, Lyme disease; parasitic: blastomycosis, histoplasmosis)
- Auto-immune diseases
- Certain types of cancers (metastatic or intraocular)
What are the clinical symptoms of anterior uveitis in dogs?
Common clinical symptoms include squinting (blepharospasm), discomfort in bright light (photophobia), ocular redness, and ocular discharge. On closer inspection, you may notice a constricted pupil, pus, or blood within the aqueous humor (anterior chamber) of the eye and discoloration of the iris. As anterior uveitis in dogs is typically painful, you may also notice symptoms of lethargy, reduced appetite, and rubbing of the eye.
How is anterior uveitis diagnosed in dogs?
Anterior uveitis can be diagnosed by performing a thorough physical and ophthalmic examination. Your veterinarian will examine your dog's cornea, anterior chamber (inside the eye), and the surrounding ocular structures such as the conjunctival tissues. A helpful test to perform is tonometry which measures intraocular pressure (IOP). Normal intraocular pressure for dogs should be 15-20 mmHg. Dogs with anterior uveitis have a low IOP (<10 mmHg), which is in comparison to glaucoma where the IOP is high (>30 mmHg). As anterior uveitis can be a result of systemic disease, your veterinarian will recommend blood work (CBC, biochemical profile, and tick-borne disease screen) to obtain an in-depth perspective of your dog's health.
What are the treatment options for anterior uveitis?
The treatment options for anterior uveitis in dogs depend on the underlying cause of the condition. The goal is to reduce anterior chamber inflammation and eliminate any infectious or neoplastic process. Your veterinarian will recommend a standardized treatment plan suitable for your dog's individual needs. In most cases, regardless of cause, topical ophthalmic anti-inflammatories are used. These medications work quickly to reduce intraocular inflammation and uveitis. Atropine may also be used to dilate the pupil and reduce intraocular spasms and pain. Careful consideration is required as the use of atropine is contraindicated with secondary glaucoma.
What is the prognosis for dogs with anterior uveitis?
It is imperative to monitor dogs with uveitis closely to prevent loss of vision or other complications. Depending on the underlying cause and severity of the uveitis, the prognosis will vary. The monitoring process involves ophthalmic examinations every 1-3 weeks and intraocular pressure measurements. Secondary glaucoma in dogs is commonly caused by anterior uveitis.
Frequently asked questions about anterior uveitis in dogs
Can cataracts cause anterior uveitis?
Yes, cataracts can cause anterior uveitis. Lens-induced uveitis occurs secondary to cataracts and is the most common cause of anterior uveitis in dogs. Furthermore, cataracts that develop in dogs secondary to diabetes can result in the development of anterior uveitis.
What is anterior uveitis?
Anterior uveitis occurs when there is inflammation in the anterior chamber of the eye. It's characterized by pain, photophobia, ocular redness, and a pupil that appears constricted. In dogs, anterior uveitis can either be infectious or non-infectious depending on its underlying cause.
Can lymphoma cause anterior uveitis?
Yes, lymphoma can cause anterior uveitis. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells and is the most common type of cancer in dogs.
Anterior uveitis is an inflammation of the iris, ciliary body, and anterior chamber of the eye. It is a common condition in dogs and can be caused by a variety of factors such as infection, autoimmune disease, or cancer. Symptoms include squinting, discomfort in bright light, ocular redness, and discharge. Treatment options depend on the underlying cause, but typically involve topical ophthalmic anti-inflammatories and atropine to reduce intraocular inflammation and pain. The prognosis is good once the underlying cause is identified and treated. If you have concerns about your dog's eyes please consult your veterinarian.