Uveitis in cats is an ophthalmological disorder that can affect the uvea of ​​felines of all ages. However, it is more common in stray cats. Among its most frequent causes are certain systemic pathologies, trauma, contusions and deep wounds from fights or accidents.

To learn more about feline uveitis, keep reading this article where we will answer the question that many caregivers ask themselves when they suspect that their cat has this disorder: is feline uveitis disease curable?

Uveitis in cats: definition and types

The term “uveitis” is applied by veterinary medicine to designate different inflammatory processes that occur in the uvea of ​​both felines and canines.

Depending on the area of ​​the eye affected, we have the following types of uveitis:

  • Anterior uveitis: mainly affects the iris and / or the ciliary bodies.
  • Intermediate uveitis: affects the posterior portion of the ciliary bodies.
  • Posterior uveitis: it develops mainly in the choroid.

It is very common for the inflammation to spread and jointly affect different uveal structures. In more advanced or chronic cases, uveitis in cats can reach the retina and even lead the animal to blindness.

Causes associated with feline uveitis

As we mentioned earlier, uveitis in cats is associated with endogenous and exogenous factors. Next, we will highlight the main causes of this pathology in domestic felines:

Endogenous causes

Many of the cases of uveitis in cats are caused by serious pathologies, such as:

  • FeLV (feline leukemia virus).
  • FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus or “feline AIDS”).
  • FIP (feline infectious peritonitis virus).
  • Systemic mycoses.
  • Systemic toxoplasmosis.

In addition, arterial hypertension also appears as a risk factor for the development of uveitis, thrombosis and intraocular hemorrhages.

Exogenous causes

Exogenous causes of feline uveitis are almost always associated with street fights, accidents, or eye trauma. The wounds, perforations, cuts and contusions derived from these phenomena can favor the appearance of uveitis.

Symptoms of Uveitis in Cats

The first symptoms of feline uveitis are practically silent. For this reason, they are often difficult to recognize early. A cat suffering from uveitis usually has the following symptoms:

  • Ocular hypotension
  • Miosis (constriction of the pupils).
  • Retraction of the eyeball.
  • Photophobia.
  • Excessive tearing
  • Pain.
  • Hypersensitivity in the eye area.

Can feline uveitis be cured?

Feline uveitis is curable in acute cases in which the cat was treated at the beginning of the disorder. That is why it is very important to take our cat to the vet so that it is properly diagnosed and treated as soon as we observe any symptoms or abnormalities in its behavior or appearance.

We must bear in mind that if it is not treated in time, our cat can suffer loss of vision or, in the worst case, blindness, which unfortunately is irreversible.

Normally, corticosteroid and non-corticosteroid anti-inflammatory eye drops are the treatment used to control and prevent the progression of uveitis, but the specific treatment should always be prescribed by a veterinarian.