Uveitis in Cats

Overview: 

One of the most common eye disorders in cats, uveitis refers to the inflammation of the uvea, which is the pigmented vascular layer of the eye consisting of the iris,  choroid, and the ciliary body.

Uveitis is a serious condition & without medical attention, your cat's eyesight is at great risk. Therefore immediate veterinary attention must be sought.

What causes uveitis in cats?

There are many causes of uveitis, such as trauma, infection (bacterial, viral or fungal) & cancer. In many cases, an underlying cause can not be established. This is known as idiopathic'. 

Some  causes include; 

Immune mediated;

• Immune mediated thrombocytopenia

• Immune mediated vasculitis

Cancer;

• Lymphoma

• Melanoma

Trauma;

• Blunt or penetrating injuries

Viral;

• Feline Herpesvirus

• Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

• Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

Protozoal;

• Toxoplasmosis 

Fungal;

• Cryptococcosis

• Blastomycosis

• Coccidiosis

• Candidiasis

• Histoplasmosis

Metabolic;

• Hypertension

What are the symptoms of uveitis in cats?

Symptoms of uveitis include:

• Abnormal iris colour. Cloudy/muddy looking. Sometimes red spots may be seen.

• Redness.

• Pupil may be small & unevenly shaped.

• Sensitivity to light (photophobia).

• Tearing.

• Eye pain.

• Inflammation can cause the eye to become softer (hypotonic).

 How is uveitis diagnosed?

Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination of your cat, including a thorough examination of the eyes.

If there is suspicion of systemic disease he may wish to perform further tests, some of which may include; 

• Complete blood count.

• Biochemical profile.

• Specific tests for infection & systemic diseases (FeLV, FIV etc).

• Blood pressure test to check for hypertension.

• Thoractic xrays to check for fungal diseases or tumours.

• Ultrasound of the eye if injury is suspected.

Treatment of uveitis:

Treatment of uveitis is directed at treating the underlying cause, if it is known, relieving discomfort & preventing further damage to the eyes.

Treatment to may include;

• Anti-inflammatory therapy. Corticosteroids may also be administered systemically, subconjunctivally (under the conjunctiva) & topically.

• Topical antropine ointment if necessary to keep the pupils dilated.

• Follow up care will be necessary to monitor progress.