Companion Animals

Uveitis in Dogs: Welfare and Long-term Management

Managing intraocular inflammation to relieve pain and prevent vision loss in dogs.

Key Facts

Uveitis causes intense ocular pain and can lead to glaucoma and blindness if untreated
Causes range from systemic infection to immune-mediated disease to trauma
Topical corticosteroids and NSAIDs form the primary treatment
Regular monitoring for secondary glaucoma is essential in chronic cases

Welfare Considerations

Uveitis causes significant ocular welfare compromise — pain, light sensitivity, and vision impairment affect quality of life. Welfare-focused management investigates the underlying cause while initiating anti-inflammatory treatment, monitors intraocular pressure to detect secondary glaucoma, and maintains long-term treatment in recurrent cases. Unmanaged or under-treated uveitis is a common cause of preventable blindness in dogs.

What You Can Do

Seek prompt veterinary attention for any dog with a red, squinting, or cloudy eye
Maintain long-term anti-inflammatory treatment in dogs with recurrent uveitis
Monitor intraocular pressure at every visit in dogs with a history of uveitis