Uveitis in Pets: Inflammation Inside the Eye
Uveitis is inflammation of the eye's internal structures. It can signal serious underlying disease and requires immediate veterinary attention.
葡萄膜炎是指葡萄膜的炎症，葡萄膜是眼睛的血管层，包括虹膜、睫状体和脉络膜。它可能是由创伤、感染、免疫介导的疾病或癌症引起的。葡萄膜炎很痛苦，如果不治疗可能导致白内障、青光眼或失明。
要点
- Uveitis can affect the front (anterior) or back (posterior) of the eye
- Causes include infections (toxoplasmosis, FIP, Lyme), trauma, and immune disorders
- Symptoms include a red eye, squinting, cloudy cornea, and a small pupil
- Blood tests and imaging help identify the underlying cause
- Treatment includes anti-inflammatory drops, oral medication, and treating the cause
- Untreated uveitis frequently leads to secondary glaucoma
Types and Causes
Anterior uveitis affects the iris and ciliary body — this is what most pet owners see. Posterior uveitis involves the choroid and retina. Panuveitis affects all layers. Common infectious causes in cats include feline herpesvirus, toxoplasmosis, FIP, and bartonellosis. In dogs, leptospirosis, Lyme disease, brucellosis, and rickettsial diseases are implicated. Trauma, lens-induced uveitis (from cataracts), and immune-mediated disease are also common.
Clinical Signs
The eye appears diffusely red with prominent blood vessels on the sclera. The pupil is often small (miotic) and may be irregular in shape. The cornea may look cloudy due to edema. Aqueous flare (visible beam of light in the anterior chamber) is seen on exam. Hypopyon — white or yellow pus in the anterior chamber — indicates severe inflammation. Photophobia and pain cause squinting.
Diagnostic Workup
Complete ophthalmic exam including slit-lamp biomicroscopy. Tonometry measures IOP — uveitis lowers IOP initially but secondary glaucoma raises it. Blood tests include CBC, chemistry, tick titers, toxoplasmosis titers, and FeLV/FIV tests in cats. Chest and abdominal imaging screens for cancer. Aqueous humor sampling may be needed for PCR or cytology in severe cases.
Treatment Approach
Topical corticosteroids (prednisolone acetate) or NSAIDs (diclofenac) reduce inflammation. Atropine drops dilate the pupil and prevent painful synechiae. Oral prednisone or NSAIDs treat deeper inflammation. Infectious causes need targeted antibiotics or antivirals. Pain management is essential. Frequent rechecks monitor IOP and treatment response. Chronic cases may need immunosuppressive therapy.
何时立即去看兽医
- The eye is deeply red, especially around the cornea
- The pupil is small and doesn't dilate normally
- You notice cloudiness in the front of the eye
- Your pet is squinting and avoiding light
- There's visible yellow or white material inside the eye
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