It can be alarming when your dog's eyes appear painful, red or cloudy. One cause is anterior uveitis, a condition of the front part of the eye. This guide gives you details about anterior uveitis, the signs to watch for and treatment, with the goal of supporting you and your dog every step of the way.
What is Anterior Uveitis?
The uvea is the middle layer of the eye and anterior uveitis is an inflammation of the uveal tract. The anterior part of the uveal tract includes the iris and ciliary body. It can cause significant discomfort for your dog, and visual impairment if unchecked. The good news, many dogs treated early and appropriately will return to good vision. Understanding the condition is the first step in protecting your dog's vision and wellbeing!
Recognizing Symptoms
Dogs cannot tell you when their eye hurts but they certainly exhibit signs telling you there is a problem. By recognizing the signs, you can identify anterior uveitis earlier and lead to a better outcome:
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Redness of one or (sometimes) both eyes
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Cloudiness/haziness of the eye
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Squinting, or keeping that eye closed
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Excessive tearing or discharge from the eye
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Shielding their eye from light (i.e., light sensitivity or photophobia)
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Change in the size and shape of the pupil
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Behavioral changes, increased irritability or lethargy
If you see the above symptoms, promptly consult your veterinarian!
Why Does Anterior Uveitis Occur?
There are many reasons why this may happen, some of which may be specific to the eye and some related to general health issues. Common reasons include:
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Infections: Bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections can result in inflammation.
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Autoimmune problems: Sometimes a body's immune system can mistakenly attack healthy eye tissue.
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Trauma: Injuries being trauma in the eye (examples: scratch; blunt force).
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Tumors: Even though it's rare, some tumors can cause or look like uveitis.
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Metabolic or systemic diseases: Possibly diabetes or hypertension.
Even with comprehensive testing, a clear diagnosis will not always be reached, but that does not mean treatment is not feasible or effective and in most cases lets us accurately address the issue.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Your veterinarian will conduct an appropriate eye exam and may recommend additional tests in order to help find a diagnosis.
Those tests may include the following:
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Ophthalmoscope exam: The look inside the eye to check for inflammation or damage.
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Tonometry: The measure the eye pressure in order to rule out pre-existing disease such as glaucoma.
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Blood tests / urine testing: To check for infection or something with the immune system.
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Imaging studies (X-rays;/ultrasound): If something chronic is suspected based on previous tests.
Providing these steps are done, to protect that your dog gets the most care possible and the best diagnosis possible.
Treatment Options
Treatment can differ depending on what is causing the inflammation but typically involves:
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Anti-inflammatory eye drops or ointments are often prescribed to help with the pain response and reduce swelling.
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Antibiotics or anti-fungal medications can be prescribed if an infection is suspected.
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Immune-suppressing drugs can be prescribed if it involves the autoimmune process.
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Pain relief medications are also prescribed as needed.
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In some rare and severe cases, surgery may be indicated to preserve vision or to relieve pain.
Follow you veterinarians instructions carefully and note that using consistently and regularly and the check-in by your veterinarians will assist in your dog's recovery.
At-Home Care and Long-Term Care
Giving a dog with anterior uveitis care requires daily attention and lots of love. Here are several ways that you can support the healing process:
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Give the medications as regularly as directed, set up reminders if needed!
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Attend all follow up appointments to ensure that your dog is healing and doing properly.
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Keep your dog's environment both clean and stress-free particularly if there is an infectious cause.
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Keep your dog out of bright sunlight if they are light sensitive at all.
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Be aware of symptoms returning, if anything seems abnormal call your vet.
You make a difference in their comfort and overall recovery.
When to Report Concerns to Your Veterinarian
If your dog is showing any signs of eye discomfort or any bizarre behavior relative to the eye, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and call. The sooner your dog is diagnosed and treated, the less chance of possible complications that might affect vision.
