Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

ANTERIOR UVEITIS (SOFT EYE)
THE EYES • 199
This disease is caused by an inflammation of the iris and ciliary body. The iris
is the shutter that controls the size of the pupil. The ciliary body produces the
fluid that nourishes the structures in front of the lens and maintains intraocular
pressure.
Most cases of anterior uveitis are caused by autoimmune complexes that
gain access to the anterior chamber. Thus, anterior uveitis may occur with a
long list of bacterial infections and systemic diseases in dogs. Local diseases
associated with anterior uveitis include corneal ulceration, rupture of the
lens, and trauma to the eye. In some cases of uveitis the cause is unknown.
Anterior uveitis is painful and is accompanied by a red eye, severe tearing
and squinting, avoidance of light, and protrusion of the third eyelid. The
pupil is small and reacts sluggishly to light. It may appear hazy or cloudy due
to inflammation in the anterior chamber. A distinguishing feature of anterior
uveitis (but one that is not always present) is that the affected eye feels softer
than the normal eye.
The diagnosis is made by a complete veterinary eye examination. It is
important to measure intraocular pressure to rule out glaucoma.
Treatment: Any systemic or local disease must be identified and treated.
The treatment of uveitis is complex and involves the use of local and systemic
corticosteroids, NSAIDs, immunosuppressants, and drugs that dilate the
pupil. Problems that can occur along with or after an episode of anterior
uveitis include secondary glaucoma, cataracts, sunken eye, and blindness. The
likelihood of such complications can be minimized by early diagnosis and
treatment.
Anterior uveitis is a
painful eye condition,
causing the dog to tear
and squint.