Uveitis is the
inflammation of any or all parts of the vascular tunic of the eye; the vascular tunic includes the iris, the ciliary body, and choroid. A good knowledge base, up-to-date reference materials, and good instruments will improve the diagnosis of
uveitis. Feline
uveitis can be caused by numerous infectious agents in addition to
neoplasia and less likely
trauma. The infectious causes most commonly associated with feline
uveitis include feline leukemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus,
feline infectious peritonitis, systemic
fungal infections,
toxoplasmosis, and
bartonellosis. Neoplastic causes of
uveitis can be primary or secondary. Iris
melanoma is the most common primary uveal
neoplasia and
trauma-associated
sarcoma is the second most common primary uveal
neoplasia. Treatment for the clinical signs of
anterior uveitis include topical steroidal or
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents,
parasympatholytic agents for ciliary
spasm, to keep the pupil dilated, and to prevent posterior synechia.
Posterior uveitis should be treated with systemic medications that will address the underlying cause. Enucleation of blind, painful eyes not responsive to medications is a means to alleviate the animal's discomfort and to further diagnose the underlying cause.