How is uveitis treated in cats?
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.
Can feline uveitis be cured?
If the uveitis is a symptom of another generalized disease, the underlying disease will need to be treated. Oral medications may be used once underlying causes have been ruled out. The best course of treatment will address the clinical signs but also any primary condition that the uveitis is a result of.
How is autoimmune uveitis treated?
Treatment for posterior uveitis may include steroids taken by mouth, injections around the eye, and visits to additional specialists to treat the infection or autoimmune disease. A body-wide bacterial infection is usually treated with antibiotics.
What happens if uveitis is left untreated?
Left untreated, uveitis can cause complications, including: Retinal swelling (macular edema) Retina scarring. Glaucoma.
How is uveitis diagnosed in cats?
A thorough ophthalmic examination is required to diagnose uveitis. Perform fluorescein staining to rule out the presence of a corneal ulcer, and measure intraocular pressure by applanation tonometry after applying topical proparacaine. An anterior segment evaluation is best performed by using a hand-held slit lamp.
Can uveitis get better by itself?
Uveitis can cause permanent damage to the eyes and vision loss that cannot be reversed. Also, uveitis may be caused by another disease or condition that, if left untreated, can lead to serious illness.
Can uveitis be contagious?
Anterior uveitis is not an infection and it is not contagious. The symptoms of Anterior uveitis include light sensitivity, throbbing eye pain, and blurred vision.
What kind of medication is used for uveitis in cats?
Treatment is initially aimed at reducing inflammation and providing pain relief primarily with topical eye medications such as corticosteroids (prednisolone, dexamethasone) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as flurbiprofen (brand name Ocufen®).
Can you use aqueocentesis on a feline with uveitis?
Because aqueocentesis is of questionable value in feline cases of uveitis, requires general anesthesia and carries risks of worsening uveitis, lens trauma, intraocular bleeding or iris trauma, it is not typically recommended for use in cases of feline uveitis.
Can a cat have uveitis in both eyes?
Uveitis may occur in one eye (unilateral) or both eyes (bilateral), and it may be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (slow and progressive). Systemic causes of uveitis tend to occur in both eyes, whereas ocular disorders are more likely to affect just one eye.
Which is the best treatment for viral anterior uveitis?
Systemic antivirals—acyclovir, famciclovir or valacyclovir—are the primary treatment because they protect the cornea as well as treat the uveitis. Dr. Goldstein added that prolonged topical antiviral therapy is associated with the development of keratopathy.