Causes of Feline Uveitis: Understanding the Underlying

Understanding the Causes of Feline Anterior Uveitis

Anterior uveitis in cats can arise from a variety of sources. Here are some common causes to be aware of:

1. Viral Diseases: These include FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus), FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus), and FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus), which can all lead to inflammation.

2. Protozoal Infections: Toxoplasmosis, caused by a protozoan parasite, is more common in cats than dogs. It's a zoonotic disease, meaning humans can contract it from cats, as the parasites are shed in their feces. If your cat is diagnosed with toxoplasmosis, it's crucial to discuss the risks with your veterinarian and doctor, especially if you're pregnant, have young children, are elderly, or have a weakened immune system.

3. Fungal Diseases: Conditions like blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, coccidioidomycosis, and candidiasis can affect the eye. Certain fungi are more prevalent in specific regions of the world, with cryptococcosis and histoplasmosis being more common in cats. These diseases often target the front and back parts of the eye.

4. Bacteria and Toxins: A range of bacterial infections and various types of toxins can also trigger anterior uveitis. Sometimes, infections in other parts of the body, like the uterus or kidneys, can lead to intraocular inflammation. While tickborne diseases can cause uveitis in dogs, they are less common in cats.

Other causes of anterior uveitis include:

1. Tumors: Certain types of tumors can lead to uveitis.

2. Lymphoma: Cats with lymphoma may experience thickening of the iris and discoloration, often with a yellow, white, or pink hue.

3. Melanoma: Cats with melanoma tend to have thicker irises and a darker coloration.

4. Adenomas or Adenocarcinomas: Cats with adenomas may exhibit dense, fluffy white areas around the pupil or iris.

5. Trauma: Any type of injury to the head or eye can cause uveitis, as the uvea is rich in blood vessels, making inflammation and bruising more likely.

6. Metabolic Diseases: Since the uvea is an extension of the body's circulatory system, many systemic diseases can affect the eyes. For instance, hypertension, elevated blood proteins, and uremia can all impact the eyes.

7. Cataracts: Cataracts can lead to anterior uveitis, as the cloudy lens can cause inflammation. While cataractinduced uveitis is more common in dogs, cats can also develop it if certain penetrating injuries damage the lens.

8. ImmuneMediated Diseases: In these conditions, the animal's immune system mistakenly attacks itself. These diseases are often seen in dogs, including thrombocytopenia (where platelets are attacked and destroyed) and hemolytic anemia (where red blood cells are attacked by the immune system).

9. Secondary Conditions: Anterior uveitis can also be a consequence of other eye diseases, such as glaucoma, cataract formation, blindness, and lens dislocation.