Uveitis is an inflammation of the uveal tract of the dog’s eye. The uveal tract consists of the ciliary body (tissue that helps nourish the eye), iris (the colored part of your dog’s eye) and choroid (a layer of the eyeball containing blood vessels and pigment). Uveitis is one of leading causes of blindness in dogs.

Symptoms include excessive blinking or squinting, sensitivity to bright lights, a red eye, a cloudy eye, a watery eye, a painful eye, or an abnormally sized pupil. Your dog might also have reduced vision.

Uveitis can be caused by trauma, immune disease, an infection or it can be triggered by cancer in the eye or anywhere in your dog’s body. There are also many cases of uveitis that are classified as idiopathic meaning that the underlying cause cannot be determined.

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough eye exam including taking a measurement of pressure within your dog’s eye. To try to determine the underlying cause, your veterinarian will likely perform blood work, urinalysis and make use of diagnostic imaging tools such as x-rays and ultrasound.

If an underlying cause can be found, treatment will be tailored to the underlying cause. For example, if the uveitis is caused by an improper reaction of your dog’s immune system your dog will likely be put on medications to suppress the immune system. If no underlying cause can be determined, treatment will focus on addressing your dog’s symptoms. Your dog will likely be put either topical or systemic anti-inflammatory.

You can reduce your dog’s chances of getting uveitis by making sure any infections are caught early and by keeping your dog up to date on vaccines.

No, you cannot contract uveitis from your dog.