Features of clinical manifestations of uveitis of viral etiology in cats. Symptoms of uveitis in cats. Uveitis in cats treatment

Veterinary ophthalmologist at ITC MVA.

List of abbreviations:

Ultrasound - ultrasonography
CT - computed tomography
MRI - magnetic resonance imaging
ERG - electroretinography
FeLV - feline leukemia virus
FIV - Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
FIP - Feline Viral Peritonitis
FHV-1 - cat virus herpes type 1
PCR - polymerase chain reaction
ELISA - linked immunosorbent assay
ICA - immunochromatographic analysis
SNK - capillary filling rate
IOP - intraocular pressure

Uveitis is serious and disease state eye, the outcome of which is often partial or complete blindness. Uveitis in cats often manifests itself as secondary symptom primary systemic disease, but quite often the cause of uveitis is difficult to determine, despite a large number of diagnostic tests carried out. Almost always for practicing veterinarians, uveitis is big problem in terms of diagnostics and treatment of animals, therefore, competent interaction between an ophthalmologist and an infectious disease specialist or therapist is often required. In this article, we review the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and clinical presentation of viral uveitis in cats.

Fig.1 Uveitis in a cat with FeLV
1 - fibrinous-hemorrhagic clot in the anterior chamber of the eye;
2 - pupils of irregular shape;
3 - rubeosis of the iris; the arrow indicates precipitates on the endothelium.

Anatomy and pathophysiology

The choroid of the eye is represented by the iris and the ciliary body (ciliary body) in the anterior segment of the eyeball and the choroid proper or choroid in the posterior segment. The iris separates the anterior chamber of the eye from the posterior chamber and controls the amount of light entering the retina through the pupil. The ciliary body is responsible for the production of intraocular fluid, which nourishes the cornea of ​​​​the eye and the lens, and also participates in the process of accommodation. The choroid is the main source of hematogenous nutrition of the outer shell of the eye and retina.

Uveitis is generally referred to as inflammation of any of the structures of the uveal tract. Any impact on choroid eye causes the release of tissue mediators of inflammation and chemokines, leading to vasodilation and impaired permeability of the walls of blood vessels. Violation of the hemato-retinal and blood-water barriers leads to an increase in protein concentration and the appearance of a cell suspension in the intraocular fluid and vitreous body.

Knowledge of the classification of uveitis can help determine what diagnostic steps may be required when a cat presents with intraocular inflammation. Anatomically, uveitis can be classified as anterior when the iris and ciliary body are involved in the inflammatory process (iridocyclitis). Inflammation of the choroid itself (choroid) is called posterior uveitis or choroiditis. In order to determine which specific structures of the eyeball are inflamed, a complete ophthalmological examination is required. Quite often, uveitis is unilateral, but systemic causes uveitis, such as viral infections, in cats in most cases results in bilateral ocular inflammation.

Ophthalmic examination of a cat with uveitis

In order to correctly establish the diagnosis, it is necessary to perform a complete ophthalmological examination. The sequence and a clear algorithm of actions are important here, for each of which there must be a justification.

First of all, the veterinary ophthalmologist evaluates the eye reflexes in the animal. It is important to note that the threat reflex in cats quite often gives a dubious result due to the temperament of these animals, which must be taken into account when describing clinical examination. Examination of other reflexes such as the Dazzle reflex (bright light/bright flash reflex), corneal reflex, palpebral reflex, pupillary reflex(direct and concomitant), the spectromotor reflex and the vestibulo-ocular reflex are also routinely carried out at the beginning of each ophthalmic examination if there are no contraindications to them ( perforated ulcer cornea, a very painful eye in an animal, etc.).

Corneal staining with fluorescein dye is carried out to exclude violation of its integrity. For the best assessment of the condition of the cornea and the anterior segment of the eyeball (the condition of the iris and iridocorneal angle, the size of the pupil and the depth of the anterior chamber, the assessment of the condition of the lens, etc.), it is better to use a slit lamp.

To assess the transparency of the intraocular fluid, the lens and the vitreous body, retroillumination is quite informative.

The study of the fundus is carried out using direct and reverse ophthalmoscopy.

With an insufficiently clear picture of the disease, it may be necessary additional methods examinations such as ultrasound of the eyeball, X-ray, CT, MRI, ERG.

The clinical signs of uveitis in cats can vary greatly and may not be noticeable in the early stages of the disease. Pain is often associated with acute uveitis, inflammation of the uveal tract in viral infections in cats is more likely to be chronic.

Four viral infections in cats can cause uveitis - feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), and feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1).

Feline leukemia virus

The FeLV retrovirus is transmitted horizontally and vertically among cat populations. In cats carrying this infection, ocular manifestations of the disease are rare, the pathological process occurs more often when neoplasia occurs, provoked by a virus, or during a secondary infection, which can join as a result of immunosuppressive therapy of the underlying disease.

Lymphosarcoma is the most common cause of uveitis in cats with FeLV. The ophthalmic manifestation of lymphosarcoma in cats appears as a thickening of the iris with nodular or diffuse flesh-colored indurations (Figure 1). Such a picture may be characteristic of uveitis of any other etiology. Other ocular manifestations include conjunctivitis, hyphema, corneal endothelial precipitates, hypopyon, Tyndall effect, eyeball tenderness, pupil reshaping, retinal detachment, and hemophthalmos.

Typically, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is used to detect FeLV. The histological picture of the removed neoplasms in the animal shows a large number of neoplastic lymphocytes, which can also be detected by cytological examination of the intraocular fluid.

Regarding the presence of uveitis in a FeLV carrier cat, the diagnosis of lymphosarcoma should be treated with caution, since not all cats infected with this virus can develop lymphosarcoma, and uveitis can be triggered by some other etiological factor. Therefore, it is very important to exclude other infectious diseases, secondary to FeLV, which can cause uveitis.

feline immunodeficiency virus

This lentivirus causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in cats. There are many ways of transmitting infection - from intrauterine borrowing to infection through a bite wound. cat syndrome Acquired immunodeficiency can manifest itself months or even years after the initial infection with FIV and occur in combination with severe secondary infections, neoplastic processes and neurological disorders. Ocular manifestations associated with FIV may include parsplanitis (inflammation localized to the periphery of the choroid), chronic conjunctivitis, but anterior uveitis is its most common clinical presentation (Figure 2). The most common complication of FIV uveitis is secondary glaucoma. Intraocular inflammation presumably occurs directly in response to the cytopathic effect of the virus itself or secondary to immune stimulation by viral antigens in the tissues of the eye. Inflammation of the uveal tract in FIV may also be due to secondary infections that have joined or aggravated against the background of an immunodeficiency state, such as Toxoplasma gondii.

Laboratory methods for detecting FIV are PCR, ICA and ELISA. False-positive results may occur in kittens under 12 weeks of age who have passively acquired anti-FIV antibodies from an FIV-infected or vaccinated mother, or in FIV-vaccinated cats. False negative results may be in the acute phase infectious process when antibodies are not detected.

Rice. 2. Ophthalmic manifestation of FIV in a cat.
Turbid liquid of the anterior chamber, the presence of a fibrin clot in the pupil area,
rubeosis of the iris, posterior synechia.

feline viral peritonitis

FIP called coronavirus infection, which is transmitted mainly by the fecal-oral route. There are two forms of the course of the disease - effusion and dry. Dry type of viral peritonitis is more often associated with ocular manifestations. Vasculitis is the main cause of eye damage in viral peritonitis. Ophthalmic manifestations include both anterior and posterior eye segment involvement. FIP may present with iridocyclitis, endothelial precipitates, endotheliitis, hypopyon, hyphema, Tyndall effect, chorioretinitis with subretinal hemorrhages.

At an early stage, quite often with FIP in cats, chronic posterior uveitis can be detected without pronounced signs of the underlying disease (presence of cicatricial changes on the retina, small local detachments and hemorrhages). Such findings during a routine prophylactic examination of the animal allow timely orientation of the owners on additional diagnostics and start treatment promptly. Therefore, ophthalmoscopy should not be neglected in a patient of any gender and age, even if he came for a routine routine examination.

Rice. 3. Ophthalmic manifestation of viral peritonitis in a cat.
Fibrin clot in the anterior chamber, precipitates on the corneal endothelium.

The diagnosis is established on the basis of a combination of clinical signs, positive serological tests and using PCR. At biochemical research blood serum is noted high concentration globulin, elevated liver enzymes, increased bilirubin and creatinine. Clinical manifestations may include ascites, pleurisy and hydropericarditis, mucosal icterus, diarrhea, and neurological disorders. Although topical eye treatments can give quite good results, systemic treatment cats are rarely successful and the prognosis in an animal with a similar diagnosis is always cautious.

feline herpes virus type 1

This DNA-containing alpha herpes virus is widespread in cats. He can give various symptoms: damage to the eyes, respiratory tract and is transmitted by direct contact from cat to cat. After recovery, approximately 80% of cats become latent carriers. The disease may be asymptomatic or acute relapses triggered by a number of factors. The main ocular manifestations are conjunctivitis and keratitis, but anterior uveitis is also on the list of complications of feline herpes virus, is usually secondary to corneal ulcer and is quite rare.

When staining the cornea with fluorescein, biomicroscopy with a cobalt blue filter reveals characteristic dendritic lesions of the epithelium. Staining of the cornea with rose bengal is also informative if the cornea is not stained with fluorescein.

The most commonly used for laboratory diagnosis of FHV-1 serological examination blood and PCR swabs from the conjunctiva.

Rice. 4. Ophthalmic manifestation of the herpes virus in a kitten.
Superficial vascular keratitis and initial corneal conjunctivization are seen.

In cats with confirmed herpesvirus and clinical evidence of anterior uveitis without overt corneal lesions, other chronic viral infections should be ruled out, as uveitis is not pathognomonic of feline herpes.

When treating animals with herpesvirus, in addition to local treatment apply systemic antiviral drugs. One of the most effective drugs reducing the systemic and local manifestation of infection is Famciclovir at a dosage of 62.5 mg / kg to 125 mg / kg, 2 or 3 times a day for 3-4 weeks.

General clinical examination of a cat with uveitis

At a general clinical examination, thermometry, examination of the mucous membranes and SNK, palpation are obligatory lymph nodes, auscultation of the chest and palpation of the abdominal cavity. It is mandatory to conduct serological tests for infections that can cause uveitis even with its unilateral course, since systemic diseases are not always manifested by bilateral intraocular inflammation.

Additional research methods when the diagnosis is established standard methods fails, include PCR and intraocular fluid cytology, microbiological research and antibiotic susceptibility testing. In some cases, it is possible to take the vitreous body for cytological examination. It is important to remember that procedures such as aqueous humor and vitreous sampling usually require general anesthesia and may cause intraocular hemorrhage and amplification inflammatory process so they are only used when absolutely necessary.

Complications

The most severe complication of uveitis in cats is secondary glaucoma, which occurs as a result of impaired outflow of intraocular fluid through the anterior chamber angle. Any animal with uveitis is at risk for secondary glaucoma, even if normal IOP at the initial examination. Additional topical therapy in cats with uveitis complicated by secondary glaucoma includes the use of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and beta-blockers. Complications after chronic uveitis are also synechia, rubeosis of the iris, cataracts, lens luxation, retinal detachment and atrophy.

Treatment

In the treatment of cats with uveitis caused by viral infections, in addition to systemic therapy, local treatment necessarily takes place, the essence of which is to stop intraocular inflammation, restore the hematoophthalmic barrier, prevent complications and prevent the loss of the animal's vision.

Mydriatics are used to relieve pain and relax the ciliary muscle. As anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used in the form eye drops. Local carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are used to prevent secondary glaucoma.

It is important to remember: steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are strictly contraindicated in cases of feline herpes virus!

Self-treatment of uveitis in cats with the above drugs, which have both contraindications and side effects, is fraught with very serious complications up to the loss of an eye. Therefore, an examination by a veterinary ophthalmologist is mandatory and treatment is prescribed only after a complete ophthalmological examination and measurement. intraocular pressure.

Conclusion

Secondary feline uveitis caused by viral infections such as viral leukemia, immunodeficiency, peritonitis, and herpesvirus type 1 is a very serious and dangerous clinical symptom. It is very important to recognize the cause of uveitis at an early stage of the disease in order to avoid further complications general condition, as well as blindness in a cat. In order to establish a diagnosis, it is necessary to know well the ophthalmic manifestations of uveitis of various etiologies and prescribe the appropriate diagnostic examination. And it's important to remember that the best treatment- this is prevention, so regular medical examination of cats at least once a year and preventive exclusion viral infections in early age helps keep them healthy and good vision for many years.

The uveal tract or vascular layer of the eye consists of the iris, the ciliary body (anterior vascular tract) and the choroid proper (posterior vascular tract). Inflammation of the vascular layer may involve only the iris and ciliary body (anterior uveitis), only the choroid proper and adjacent retina (posterior uveitis, chorioretinitis), or the entire vascular tract (panuveitis).

Causes of uveitis are conditionally divided into exogenous and endogenous. Main exogenous causes various injuries that can develop after surgical interventions, blunt or penetrating eye injuries, and corneal ulcers. Endogenous causes of uveitis are divided into infectious, neoplastic and immune-mediated. Despite an extensive list of probable causes, about 70% of cases remain idiopathic even with a thorough ophthalmological examination.

Clinical signs and diagnosis

Uveitis in cats, in contrast to uveitis in dogs, is more often characterized by a gradual increase in clinical signs, initial changes subtle and can easily be confused with conjunctivitis without a full ophthalmological examination. Based on this, for any suspicion of the presence of a disease, the eye should be evaluated for pathognomonic or highly specific signs of uveitis. AT characteristics include the following: miosis or delayed response to mydriatics; hypopyon; hyphema; aqueous flare; fibrin clots in the anterior chamber of the eye; formation of keratin precipitate; episcleral stasis; corneal edema; rubeosis, thickening, swelling and discoloration of the iris; anterior or posterior synechia; changes in intraocular pressure. Intraocular pressure (IOP) is usually reduced in uveitis, but may be normal or elevated in secondary glaucoma.

Although the signs of uveitis are weakly dependent on its cause, some findings are more characteristic of one or another primary disease. For example, a large volume of cellular keratin precipitate (described as resembling mutton fat) usually reflects disease due to granulomatous inflammation (eg, systemic mycosis or FFT). The presence of a mature or overripe cataract may be characteristic of lens luxation uveitis, but unlike dogs, cataracts are more likely to develop secondary to uveitis in cats and should not be taken as the primary cause of intraocular inflammation. Idiopathic uveitis is more common in males over 9 years of age and is more often unilateral, while uveitis is secondary to systemic diseases often bilateral. Below are the features clinical manifestations uveitis, depending on the causes that caused it and the main infectious agents.

Table. Signs of uveitis depending on the cause of its cause.

Table. infectious causes feline uveitis

IPK (FIP)– feline infectious peritonitis, VLK (FeLV) – , FIV (FIV) – , GVK (FHV)- herpes virus of cats.
Table Borrowing Source : THE CAT: CLINICAL MEDICINE AND MANAGEMENT, 2013 G.

After identifying the signs characteristic of uveitis, the next important step– search for underlying causes. Although real reasons are detected only in a third of cases, the work on their identification is quite important, in view of the fact that it can affect the course of treatment of the animal. For endogenous causes of uveitis, after a complete physical examination of the animal, a complete blood count, biochemical profile, urinalysis, tests for FIV and VLK are performed. Depending on the data obtained, further studies in the form of radiographic and ultrasound research chest and abdominal cavity and biopsy of lymph nodes. Cytological examination fluid of the anterior chamber of the eye is poorly diagnostic, with the exception of uveitis on the background of lymphoma. And finally, with developed blindness and soreness, despite the ongoing treatment, enucleation is indicated, followed by histopathological examination.

Treatment

In view of the fact that uveitis often causes blindness of the affected organ, its treatment must be aggressive and timely. The main goals of treatment are correction of the underlying causes, control of intraocular inflammation, analgesia, and minimization of secondary complications. Anterior uveitis can only be affected local treatment, but if posterior uveitis is suspected, drugs should be used systemic action due to the impossibility of local drugs to reach therapeutic concentrations in rear camera eyes.

Treatment of the underlying diseases is largely the basis of success, failure to identify and correct the underlying causes often leads to unsuccessful treatment uveitis itself. Also, specific treatment often reduces inflammation and drug doses, and can also lead to faster recovery.

Corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to control intraocular inflammation. In the absence of corneal ulceration, preference is given to local administration of ophthalmic suspensions with prednisone or dexamethasone up to 4 times a day. Local non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have a lower potential for action and are usually prescribed only when there are contraindications for the use of corticosteroids. As with local assignment, when choosing systemic drugs preference is given to corticosteroids, and only with contraindications, NSAIDs are used for them.

Pain in anterior uveitis is largely due to spasm of the ciliary body muscle (more often assessed by marked pupillary constriction). The appointment of cycloplegic drugs (eg 1% atropine) relieves muscle spasm and gives a pronounced analgesic effect. Initially, atropine is required every 8 hours until mydriasis is achieved, after pupil dilation, atropine is given intermittently to maintain the pupil in proper condition (probably given every other day or several days later). When treating with atropine, it is important to monitor intraocular pressure in a timely manner, since peripheral anterior synechia is likely to form with impaired outflow of fluid from the anterior chamber, followed by an increase in pressure.

In some cases, uveitis does not respond properly to therapy, against which secondary complications develop, the most important of which are glaucoma, lens luxation, cataracts and retinal detachment. When glaucoma occurs, first drug attempts are made to control intraocular pressure, but this complication is quite difficult to correct and in most cases requires the removal of the affected eye. In lens luxation, cataracts and retinal detachment, as in glaucoma, enucleation of the affected eye is the final treatment option in most cases. Removing a diseased organ relieves the animal of pain, allows you to stop unsuccessful attempts conservative treatment, reduces the risk of developing intraocular sarcoma against the background of inflammation and allows for a histological examination of the eye, which can lead to a final diagnosis and protection from complications of the second eye.

Author's note. In English sources, such a term is widely used as aqueous flare, it denotes the opalescence of an aqueous liquid. I found it difficult to translate this term and left it unchanged.

Valery Shubin, veterinarian. Balakovo

Cats do not often suffer from eye diseases. However, against the background of infections or after injuries, they may experience damage to the organ of vision. Such pathologies require immediate treatment. Uveitis in cats is quite serious. inflammatory disease, which often leads to the removal of the eye or to blindness. What is this disease? And what are its manifestations? We will consider these questions in the article.

What is uveitis

Uveitis in cats is a group of diseases characterized by inflammation of the vascular tract of the eye. At the same time, it is affected eyeball and the nutrition of the organ of vision worsens.

The vascular system of the eye (uveal tract) consists of the following items:

• irises;
• ciliary body;
• choroid (choroid).

The inflammatory process can develop in any part of the uveal tract. In some cases, damage to all structures of the vascular system is observed.

This disease can lead to serious consequences. In advanced cases, it can end in blindness. Every pet owner needs to know about the symptoms and treatment of ocular uveitis in cats in order to pay attention to danger signs pathology.

The reasons

Provoke the occurrence of inflammation in the vascular system of the eye can be both external and internal factors. The organ of vision is quite sensitive to various adverse effects. Veterinarians identify the following reasons Ocular uveitis in cats:

1. Injuries. Injuries to the eyes of a cat are most often obtained in fights with their relatives, as well as when falling from a height. If in damaged tissues an infection occurs, inflammation may develop.
2. Chronic conjunctivitis. The inflammatory process can move from the mucous membrane to the uveal tract.
3. Bacterial, viral and fungal diseases. Uveitis often develops as a complication of herpes, candidiasis, mycoplasmosis, rhinotracheitis.
4. Chlamydia. Chlamydia infection in cats is accompanied by severe runny nose and conjunctivitis. In advanced cases, the infection can spread to the choroid.
5. Diseases of the lens. Uveitis often develops against the background of cataracts in older animals.
6. Erosions on the cornea. As a result of injuries and burns, ulcers may appear on the corneal epithelium. If an infection enters the wound, then uveitis occurs.
7. Diseases of autoimmune etiology. In rheumatoid pathologies, the immune system attacks its own tissues, including the vascular system of the eye.
8. Tumors of the organ of vision. Neoplasms in the eye put pressure on the vessels and can lead to inflammation of the uveal system.

It can be concluded that uveitis in cats most often occurs against the background of serious illnesses. If the animal suffers from serious pathologies, then it is necessary to pay attention to the condition of the pet's eyes.

Classification of pathology

Symptoms and treatment of uveitis in cats depend on the form of the disease. As already mentioned, inflammation can spread to different structures of the uveal tract. In this regard, veterinarians distinguish the following types of pathology:

• anterior uveitis;
• posterior uveitis;
• panuveitis.

Anterior uveitis is divided into the following types:

1. Irit. This is an inflammation of the iris of the organ of vision.
2. Cyclite. With this form of the disease, the inflammatory process affects the ciliary body.
3. Iridocyclitis. There is a combined lesion of the iris and ciliary body.

Veterinarians also distinguish various forms posterior uveitis:

1. Choroiditis. Inflammation extends only to the choroid.
2. Chorioretinitis. Damage to the retina and choroid is diagnosed.

The most severe type of pathology is panuveitis. With this form of the disease, all parts of the uveal tract become inflamed.

Symptoms

The clinical picture largely depends on the localization of inflammation. However, one can distinguish general symptoms uveitis of the eye in cats:

• redness of the sclera;
• frequent release of tears;
• soreness in the eyes;
• fear of bright light;
• swelling of the eyelids;
• the appearance of blood clots in the organ of vision;
• constriction and change in the shape of the pupils;
• lack of pupil reaction to light stimuli;
• lethargy, apathy, signs of general malaise.

In anterior uveitis, a pink halo may be seen around the iris. The animal's eyesight deteriorates, exudate accumulates on the eyeballs. The pupil stops responding to light. The cat constantly squints and shakes its head due to photophobia and pain in the eyes. Often, the color of the iris of the diseased eye changes in a pet. Inclusions can be seen on the cornea light color.

Posterior uveitis often results in blurred vision. It is quite difficult to diagnose this form of the disease on your own. Choroiditis and chorioretinitis can only be detected by a veterinarian-ophthalmologist. Affected cats have swelling and redness of the fundus, as well as a change in the shape of the iris.

With panuveitis, signs of damage to the iris and retina are combined with symptoms of inflammation of the choroid. This form of pathology has the most poor prognosis.

Possible Complications

When symptoms of uveitis appear in cats, it is necessary to take the pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible. If delayed with treatment, then inflammation of the vascular tract can lead to the following complications:

• retinal detachment;
• glaucoma;
• cataract;
• eversion of the eyelid (ectropion);
• dislocation of the lens.

In advanced cases, the inflammatory process extends to more deep structures organ of vision, which eventually leads to blindness.

Diagnostics

An experienced veterinarian may suspect uveitis in an animal during the examination. This disease is accompanied by characteristic symptoms: patches on the cornea, severe reddening of the sclera, swelling of the eyelids. To clarify the diagnosis, the following examinations are prescribed:

• examination of the fundus;
• ultrasound of the eye;
• measurement of intraocular pressure;
• study of discharge from the eyes for bakposev and cytology.

It is very important to determine the cause of uveitis. For this purpose, a serological blood test for antibodies to microorganisms is prescribed.

Medical treatment

In most cases, uveitis is subject to conservative treatment. If it was possible to determine the cause of inflammation of the vascular tract of the eye, then it is necessary to treat the underlying pathology.

To prevent the spread of inflammation to other tissues, corticosteroid hormones are prescribed:

• "Triamcinolone";
• "Diprospan";
• "Methylprednisolone".

These drugs are administered as injections under the mucous membrane of the eye. Injections should not be given in the presence of ulcers on the cornea.

Anti-inflammatory drugs are used for topical treatment eye drops and ointments:

• "Diclofenac";
• "Ibuprofen";
• "Ketarolac";
• "Suprofen".

The use of drops for pupil dilation (mydriatics) based on atropine and adrenaline is also shown. They are prescribed in short courses. You should not get carried away with such means, since they have a lot side effects.

With uveitis, antibiotic therapy is mandatory. Antibacterial agents give the animal in the form of tablets or injected intramuscularly.

It is important to remember that in no case should you treat an animal for uveitis on its own. It's pretty complex disease, from which it is impossible to get rid of home remedies.

Surgery

Surgery uveitis in cats is very rare. During the operation, the animal's eye is completely removed. Such an intervention is indicated in advanced cases, as well as in inflammation that occurs against the background of eye cancer.

This operation requires a long rehabilitation period and careful animal care. The cat gradually learns to see with one eye and returns to its former active life.

Forecast

The prognosis of uveitis is favorable with timely treatment. In this case, it is possible to remove the inflammation and maintain normal vision. Be sure to carry out the therapy of the underlying disease, otherwise recurrence of uveitis is possible.

Often, inflammation of the vascular tract becomes chronic. In this case, the cat needs lifelong medication.

If the cause of uveitis is malignant eye tumor, the prognosis of the disease is complicated. It is not always possible to save the organ of vision. Most often, you have to do an operation to remove the eye.

Prevention

How to prevent uveitis? Most often, this disease develops against the background of other pathologies. Veterinarians are advised to adhere to the following recommendations:

1. Protect the cat's eye from injury and burns.
2. Do not allow the animal to walk independently. Cats are most likely to get eye injuries while outdoors.
3. Timely cure infectious pathologies in animals.
4. Pets suffering chronic diseases eye and autoimmune disorders should be under medical supervision.
5. Regularly undergo preventive examinations at the veterinarian-ophthalmologist.

These measures will help prevent inflammation of the vascular tract of the eye and avoid severe violations vision.

Uveitis is considered one of the most severe pathologies of the visual organs in animals. This ailment negatively affects the vascular membrane of the eye, causing its inflammation (see. a photo).

The blood supply to the eyeball is provided precisely by small capillaries and blood vessels. This blood supply system is called the uveal tract, hence the name of the disease itself.

It is this disease that most often deprives our pets of sight.

Causes of uveitis

There are several reasons that can provoke the occurrence and development of uveitis, among them:

• pathologies of the visual apparatus (for example, cataract, glaucoma, corneal ulcer and others);
• bruises or contusion of the organ of vision;
• diseases in the body that are in the nature of systemic inflammation (pathologies, infections, etc.).

Of all the reasons given, the most common was the last one. Risk of inflammation vascular network eyes in cats increases if the animal suffers from leukemia, toxoplasmosis, viral peritonitis (FIP), herpesvirus (FHV-1), viral immunodeficiency. The diseases that most often provoke this problem in dogs are distemper, leptospirosis, brucellosis, babesiosis, and borreliosis.

Symptoms

Clinical signs of uveitis in dogs and cats are: pain in the eye, lacrimation, photophobia, the animal squints and scratches the eye, pupillary constriction, corneal edema, clouding of the intraocular fluid, blood in the anterior chamber of the eye, etc. Often, pet owners note a decrease in vision, up to complete blindness.

Uveitis in dogs and cats can develop either acutely (several days) or chronically (over several months).

It is also worth noting that secondary glaucoma, cataracts, and atrophy of the eyeball can be serious consequences of uveitis.

Symptoms of the disease

Uveitis in dogs and cats often presents as follows:

• noticeable tearing;
• pain;
• fear of bright light;
• the pet constantly tries to comb its eyes and squints;
• the pupil narrows;
• the cornea of ​​the eye swells;
• intraocular fluid becomes cloudy;
• there is blood that goes into the anterior chamber of the visual organ.

In addition, an attentive owner will notice that the animal seems to be losing orientation in space, which may symbolize a deterioration in vision.

This insidious disease often attacks unexpectedly and develops rapidly, worsening the pet's well-being in just a matter of days. Sometimes it is less obvious in chronic form- then you can observe changes in the condition of the pet for several months.

In addition to what uveitis can cause complete loss vision, it is also dangerous with all sorts of complications, for example: retinal detachment, cataracts, secondary glaucoma, atrophy of the eyeball.

How is uveitis diagnosed?

As with other serious ophthalmic diseases, the diagnosis is made after comprehensive surveys injured animal. AT without fail studies include ophthalmoscopy, tonometry (definition intracranial pressure), biomicroscopy (study of structures), gonioscopy (assessment of the situation in the anterior chamber), funduscopy (examination of the back of the apple). Sometimes, in order to take a closer look at the condition of the retina, vitreous body and other structures, an ophthalmologist prescribes an ultrasound scan.

An important role in recreating the picture of the state of the animal is played by laboratory research: blood test (general clinical, biochemical), the presence of infections. In addition, the attending physician must have access to the pet's medical history.

Treatment of uveitis in cats and dogs

As we have already said, uveitis is not the root cause, but a consequence of a certain disease. And in order to solve this problem, it is necessary to correctly diagnose the cause of its occurrence.

Most often, during treatment, a specialist prescribes eye drops that will help relieve inflammation of the vascular network, pain, prevent complications and generally relieve pain and discomfort. In addition, depending on the situation, it is assigned and systemic therapy designed to improve the condition of the whole organism.

Since uveitis causes severe discomfort to your pet, it is important to carefully monitor appearance his visual organs in order to detect the development of ophthalmic problems in time!

Cats are less prone to eye diseases than other animals, but they still have problems with their organs of vision. Ignore anxiety symptoms it is impossible, because they can lead to serious consequences up to loss of vision. There is a certain group of diseases that have an inflammatory nature, which is called uveitis in cats. This pathology can affect various elements of the vascular system of the visual organ and cause a lot of inconvenience and suffering to the animal.

What is uveitis

The definition of "uveitis" combines a number of diseases inflammatory nature that affect certain parts of the vascular system of the eyes. As a result, the eyeball becomes inflamed and the blood supply to the visual organs worsens.

Important. This disease can affect a cat regardless of its age, sex or breed. Often this disease is the cause of loss of vision.

How uveitis manifests itself: the main signs of pathology

This pathology of the visual organs has a number of symptoms. To the main clinical signs, which can manifest themselves both separately and simultaneously include:

• increased sensitivity to light;
• change in the size and shape of the pupils;
• strabismus;
• enlargement and inversion of the third eyelid;
• redness on the eyeball;

Often, uveitis is accompanied by diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, or partial loss of vision. In some cases, the owners may not immediately notice that the cat has become worse to see, since this manifests itself only in dark time days.

Causes of pathology

Uveitis can be triggered by trauma or an inflammatory disease.

According to experts, it is not possible to establish the true causes of uveitis in 50% of cases. However, a number of provoking factors have been identified that can serve as an impetus for the development of pathology.

These include:

• Exogenous (external) causes. In such cases, the disease occurs due to mechanical damage eyes, such as injury or injury, corneal ulceration or chemical burns. These factors lead to the fact that the permeability of blood vessels increases, as a result of which a violation develops.
• Endogenous (internal) causes. In this case, the violation develops under the influence. Pathologies that lead to the appearance of uveitis can be infectious, bacterial, fungal or neoplastic in nature.

In cases where it is not possible to establish the causes of the development of the disorder, the cat is diagnosed with idiopathic uveitis. In addition, pathology is divided into primary and secondary. The first occurs as a result of various eye lesions, and secondary uveitis is associated with diseases of the internal organs.

The owner of a sick cat is primarily interested in the question of whether this disease is contagious or not. It is uveitis that cannot be transmitted from one animal to another, since it develops as a result of external or internal damage.

Diagnosis of the disease

The examination allows to differentiate uveitis from other similar diseases.

Symptoms characteristic of uveitis may accompany other diseases of the organs of vision. For this reason, in the process of diagnosis, specialists will need to conduct additional studies to exclude the presence of the following violations:

• and increased intraocular pressure;
• , which is accompanied by profuse lacrimation and redness;
• episcleritis, manifested by corneal edema and discoloration of the eyeball.

Diagnostic measures to confirm or exclude the presence of uveitis include the following studies:

• general clinical examination;
• analysis of the blood and urine of the animal;
• instrumental studies of the organs of vision;
• study of intraocular fluid.

According to the results of the examination, the specialist prescribes the treatment of the disease. It is important to understand that with such disorders, treatment at home is impossible, the cat needs professional help.

Therapeutic activities

Surgical treatment is indicated only for the tumor process.

Features of the treatment of uveitis depend on the causes that caused this disease. In cases where the violation is of an oncological nature, the surgical method treatment, and the damaged eye is removed. But such a measure is justified only in situations where metastases have not spread to other parts of the body.

In other cases, treatment medications. Therapy includes:

1. Addressing the underlying cause, if found, and treating the underlying disease.
2. Elimination of the inflammatory process to prevent the development of other disorders of the organs of vision.
3. Removal of pain syndrome, since uveitis is often accompanied by severe headaches.
4. Control of intraocular pressure in order to prevent glaucoma.
5. Supportive care to improve the general condition of the cat.

When deciding how to treat uveitis, specialists are guided by such factors as the causes that provoked the disease, age and individual characteristics cat's body.

Medicines for treatment

Dexamethasone is used to treat uveitis from the first days.

In addition to medications, the action of which is aimed at treating the root cause of the disorder, as part of the treatment of uveitis, medicines the following groups:

• non-steroid drugs for internal use(Meloxicam and Kaprofen) and topical (Suprofen, Diclofenac and Flurbiprofen);
• steroids intended for subconjunctival administration (Dexamethasone and Triamcinalone);
• corticosteroid medications for local application(Prednisolone acetate);
• mydriatics for pain relief (Atropine and Tropicamide);
• carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (Brinzolamide and Dorzolamide);
• immunomodulators (Azathioprine and Cyclosporine);
• antibacterial drugs for topical use (ointments and gels based on tetracycline).

It is important to realize that in order to eliminate painful manifestations and prevention severe consequences complex treatment is required, affecting the factors that caused the disease, as well as the symptoms resulting from this disorder.

Prognosis and possible complications in uveitis

Cataract is one of the possible complications of uveitis.

The prognosis for uveitis directly depends on many factors that affect the outcome of the disease. These include:

• nature and severity traumatic injury or a disease that provoked an inflammatory process;
• concomitant ailments and their features;
• timeliness of diagnosis and correctness of treatment;
• the presence of complications;
• the age and health of the animal.

To possible complications that may occur as a result of uveitis include the following conditions:

• dyscoria (a disease characterized by a change in the shape of the pupil);
• secondary glaucoma;
• dislocation of the lens;
• development of cataracts;
• retinal rejection process.

Attention! When the disease was diagnosed early stages, and the treatment was carried out competently and in a timely manner, the prognosis is quite favorable. If the cause of the disease could not be established, it is possible that the cat will be prescribed lifelong therapy. And in especially severe cases and in the presence of complications, removal of the eye may be required.

For those who live with cats, it is important to understand that good vision is necessary condition for the normal functioning of these animals. For this reason, alarming symptoms indicating possible development any eye diseases, and if they appear, contact an experienced veterinarian immediately.

In the video, the veterinarian talks about how to treat the eyes of a cat: