Uveitis - zapalenie błony naczyniowej oka u psa

The uvea includes the iris, the ciliary body and the choroids. An inflammation of the uvea tract can be defined as uveitis. Uveitis is usually classified into anterior uveitis – involving the iris and ciliary body, intermediate uveitis and posterior uveitis – involving the choroid and retina. There are many known causes of uveitis e.g. (infections, trauma, parasites, immune-mediated, tumors). A specific etiological factor can not always be determined in spite of extensive laboratory investigations. Anterior uveitis presents as a painful red eye. Vision may be impaired, episcleral hyperaemia, corneal oedema, miosis and a swollen or hyperaemic iris are present. Inflammation of the anterior uvea breaks down the blood-aqueous for protein. The anterior chamber is often shallow and the intraocular pressure is low. Hyphaema and hypopyon may be present. Inflammatory deposits may adhere to the corneal endothelium (keratic precipitates). Anterior or posterior synechiae and secondary cataracts may develop. Intermediate uveitis release inflammatory material into the adjacent anterior vitreous (snowbanking). Posterior uveitis always extends to involve the adjacent retina. Fundic changes associated with choroidal inflammation are observed in the tapetal fundus. A large component of uveitis is immune mediated, with an host immune response. Therefore symptomatic treatment with corticosteroids and topical atropine is indicated. However, if corneal ulceration or perforation is present, then non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug may be used. In case, where an infectious agent is found, the appropriate antimicrobial agent should be used. Occasionaly some immunosuppressive agents such as azathioprine or cyclosporine are required.