Felipedia

Anterior uveitis is inflammation that affects the front or anterior part of the eye called the uvea, which is the dark tissue of the eye that contains blood vessels. The iris – the tissue that makes up the pupil – is typically involved. The posterior part of the eye may or may not be affected. The causes of anterior uveitis include: Immune mediated conditions in which the body attacks its own tissues, Infections from viruses, parasites, fungi, bacteria, and protozoa, tumours or cancers, trauma or injury to the eye, metabolic disease elsewhere in the body that is affecting the eye, Idiopathic (which means the cause is unknown), and lens-induced, which is caused by the escape of lens protein into the eye fluid and is most frequently associated with cataracts.




Uveitis in cats may occur spontaneously or secondary to systemic disease. Spontaneous uveitis is often granulomatous, characterized by nodular lesions within the iris stroma and altered iris coloration (see figure). Flare and corneal oedema are often absent but multifocal deposits (keratic precipitates) may occur on the corneal endothelial surface. The condition may be unilateral or bilateral and is usually responsive to steroids (systemic and subconjunctival). Long-term therapy is often required and secondary glaucoma is a major concern.

The eyes of cats are affected by more viruses than other animals. Such viruses include feline leukaemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus, and feline infectious peritonitis virus. The protozoal parasite, toxoplasmosis, is one of the most common causes of anterior uveitis in the cat. Older cats are more likely to have tumours and indoor/outdoor pets are more likely to be exposed to infectious causes than pets housed strictly indoors. Also, in certain regions of the world specific infectious diseases are more common. Anterior uveitis can be painful for your pet and may threaten vision. Just as important, this problem can also be a sign of a disease that is affecting the rest of the your pet’s body.