I. What is Canine Uveitis?
Canine uveitis is a disease of eyes, the uvea of dogs, including the iris, ciliary body, and choroid, may become inflamed due to various factors. These factors may include infections by pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, autoimmune diseases, ocular trauma, as well as systemic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, or reactions to drugs and allergens.
It is often manifested by symptoms such as eye pain, vision loss, redness and swelling of the eyes, corneal opacity, abnormal aqueous humor, and changes in the pupil. Diagnosis usually requires ocular examinations, laboratory tests, and imaging examinations. Treatment methods involve eliminating the causes, controlling inflammation, dilating the pupil, and providing supportive care. The prognosis of canine uveitis is related to the causes, the severity of the condition, and the timeliness and effectiveness of the treatment.
II. Exploration of Causes in Uveitis
i. Infectious Factors
1.Bacterial infections: Bacteria such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus can infect the ocular tissues, triggering inflammation, then may spread to the uvea and lead to uveitis. These bacteria may enter the eyes through wounds caused by trauma or by the eyes coming into contact with contaminated substances.
2.Viral infections: After dogs are infected with viruses such as Canine Distemper Virus and Canine Infectious Hepatitis Virus, they often attack the eyes and cause uveitis. Viruses can directly infect the uveal tissues or indirectly lead to uveal inflammation by triggering the body's immune response.
3.Fungal infections: Common ones include Aspergillus and Candida. When dogs live in a humid environment with poor hygienic conditions, they are prone to getting fungal infections in the eyes and developing uveitis. Fungal infections are usually quite stubborn and relatively difficult to treat.
4.Parasitic infections: When the larvae of parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii and Ascaris lumbricoides migrate within the bodies of dogs, they may reach the eyes, cause damage to the uvea, and thus trigger inflammation.
ii. Autoimmune Diseases
1.Abnormalities in the immune system of the body: When the immune system of a dog misidentifies and attacks its own uveal tissues as foreign antigens, autoimmune uveitis will be triggered. In this case, the antibodies and immune cells produced by the immune system will cause inflammatory damage to the uveal tissues.
2.Associated with other autoimmune diseases: Some systemic autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, may also affect the eyes of dogs and lead to the occurrence of uveitis. These diseases will put the body in a state of immune disorder, increasing the risk of developing uveitis.
iii.Trauma
1.Ocular trauma: During playing or fighting, dogs may suffer external injuries such as impacts, scratches, or bites to their eyes, which could directly destroy the uveal tissues and present an inflammatory response. Additionally, some accidents like car crashes or falling from heights can also cause severe ocular trauma and subsequently lead to uveitis.
2.Surgical trauma: Ocular surgeries such as cataract surgery and glaucoma surgery may also result in the uveitis if postoperative care is improper or if complications such as infections occur during the surgical process. The manipulation and stimulation of ocular tissues during surgery may disrupt the normal physiological environment of the eyes, creating conditions for the onset of inflammation.
iv.Other Factors
1.Systemic diseases: Diabetes can affect the microvessels in the eyes, leading to disorders in ocular blood circulation and metabolic imbalances, thereby increasing the incidence of uveitis. Hypertension may raise the pressure in the ocular blood vessels, damage the vascular endothelial cells, and trigger an inflammatory response in the uvea.
2.Side effects of drugs: Long-term use of certain drugs, such as sulfonamides and antibiotics, may cause allergic reactions or drug toxicity in dogs, resulting in uveitis. These drugs may affect the normal physiological functions of the eyes or directly damage the uveal tissues.
3.Tumors: Ocular tumors or metastases of tumors from other parts of the body to the eyes may compress or invade the uveal tissues, or trigger the body's immune response, thus leading to uveitis. The development and metabolites of tumor cells may have adverse effects on the surrounding tissues and induce inflammation.
4.Genetic factors: Certain breeds of dogs may have a higher propensity for developing uveitis due to genetic factors. For example, some shepherd dog may have genetic defects related to uveitis, making them more susceptible to this disease.
III. The Signs and Symptoms in Uveitis
i. Ocular Appearance
1.Redness and swelling of the eyes: The conjunctiva of the dog's eyes will be noticeably congested and red, and the eyelids will also swell. In severe cases, the tissues around the entire eyes may swell significantly.
2.Corneal opacity: The cornea of a normal dog is transparent. However, when suffering from uveitis, the cornea may become edematous and opaque, losing its original transparency, thus affecting the passage of light and subsequently vision.
3.Abnormal aqueous humor: Aqueous humor is a transparent liquid inside the eyeball. Uveitis will make the aqueous humor become cloudy and show a flare phenomenon. Upon careful observation, it can be seen that the inside of the dog's eyes is no longer clear. In severe cases, hypopyon or hyphema may even occur in the anterior chamber.
ii. Eye Functions
1.Vision decline: The inflammation will interfere with the normal optical structure and nerve conduction of the dog's eyes, leading to blurred vision and an inability to see things clearly. Sick dogs may bump into objects and be slow to respond to their surroundings. For example, they may accidentally bump into furniture even in a familiar environment.
2.Pupil changes: After a dog gets sick, its pupils may constrict, and the light reflex may become sluggish or even disappear. This is because the stimulation of the inflammation causes the spasm of the pupillary sphincter, preventing the pupils from being adjusted normally according to the intensity of light.
3.Eye pain: Dogs will show signs of eye discomfort, blinking, squinting, and rubbing their eyes frequently in an attempt to relieve the pain and discomfort in their eyes. In severe cases, obvious pain symptoms may appear, such as shaking the head, avoiding having their eyes touched. When the owner approaches to examine their eyes, the dog may show resistance or even aggression.
IV. Best Supplements to Support and Prevent Dog’s Uveitis.
i. Vitamins
1.Vitamin A: It is crucial for the eye health of dogs, helping to maintain the normal function of the retina and the health of the eye surface. You can feed dogs foods rich in Vitamin A, such as animal livers and carrots. When vitamin A supplements is used, it is necessary to pay attention to the appropriate amount, as excessive intake may lead to poisoning.
2.Vitamin C: It has an antioxidant effect, which can help reduce the oxidative damage to eye tissues, enhance immunity, and thus be of certain help in preventing eye diseases such as uveitis. Fruits like oranges and strawberries are rich in Vitamin C, but dogs cannot directly consume these fruits in large quantities. Instead, they can be supplemented with Vitamin C supplements specially designed for pets.
3.Vitamin E: It is also an important antioxidant that can protect the cells of the eyes from the damage of free radicals. It works in synergy with Vitamin C to enhance the antioxidant effect and maintain the normal function of the eyes.
ii. Mineral
1.Zinc: It participates in the synthesis and metabolism of various enzymes in the dog's body and plays an important role in the normal development and function maintenance of the eyes. A deficiency of zinc may cause problems in the dog's eyes. Zinc supplements can be given to dogs. Meanwhile, some meats, seafood and other foods also contain abundant zinc elements.
2.Selenium: It has antioxidant efficacy and functions of immunomodulation and, together with vitamin E, forms an antioxidant defense system, which helps protect the eyes from damage caused by oxidative stress. Appropriate supplementation of selenium is beneficial to the eye health of dogs, but excessive intake may lead to poisoning. Supplements should be used according to the advice of a pet.
iii. Other Supplements
1.Fish oil: It is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA and EPA. It has an anti-inflammatory effect, which can reduce the inflammatory reaction in the eyes and lower the risk of developing uveitis. Meanwhile, it is also beneficial to the cardiovascular health and joint health of dogs.
2.Lutein: It is an important carotenoid existing in the macular area of the retina of the eyes. It has antioxidant and photoprotection effects, being able to filter harmful blue light and protect the eyes from light damage. It is of positive significance in preventing eye diseases. Dogs can be supplemented with lutein through pet-specific eye health supplements that contain lutein.
3.Taurine: It is extremely important for the development and function of the retina of dogs. A lack of taurine may lead to eye problems such as retinal degeneration. Generally, an appropriate amount of taurine is added to high-quality pet dry food. However, if dogs have special requirements, taurine supplements can be supplemented additionally.
Best supplements recommended for dogs' health . For more information, please click the pictures.

Noora 8 in 1 contains vitamin E and vitamin C, and Selenium, good for vision health for you pets.
Advantages: Specifically designed for dogs, this supplement provides comprehensive health support, including for joints, muscles, eye health, cardiovascular health, skin, gut, and immune system.
Appearance/Taste: This product is available in chewable tablets that have a chicken liver taste to make it more appealing for dogs.
Size: 2.5 grams each tablet, 50 tablets in each bottle, a total of 125g (4.41 )

Noora Daily Multi contains vitamin A vitamin C and vitamin E, good for vision health
Advantages: Noora Daily Multi is a comprehensive health supplement designed to complement today's dog diets by providing 21 essential nutrients. It supports overall health maintenance and well-being in dogs of all ages, ensuring they receive a balanced intake of vital vitamins and minerals.
Appearance/Taste: The supplement comes in a vegetable flavor, which is appealing to dogs and encourages consumption.
Size: Each chew is formulated to be 3.5 grams, making it a manageable size for dogs to chew comfortably.
Quantity: 60 chews in each bottle, a total of 210 g (7.41 oz).
V. What is the Treatments of Uveitis in Dogs?
i. Medication Treatment
1.Mydriatics: Mydriasis is one of the important measures in the treatment of uveitis. It can prevent posterior synechiae of the iris and relieve eye pain and inflammation. Commonly used mydriatics include atropine eye drops, etc. The frequency and dosage of medication should be determined by the specific situation of the dog and the doctor's advice.
2.Glucocorticoids: Glucocorticoids have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect and can reduce the inflammatory reaction of uveitis. Generally, drugs such as prednisone and dexamethasone are used, and they can be administered orally, by eye drops or by injection. However, long-term use of glucocorticoids may have some side effects, then the physical condition of the dog needs to be closely monitored.
3.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Such as eye drops of diclofenac sodium, etc., can be used to relieve eye inflammation and pain, and the side effects are relatively small.
4.Antibiotics: If uveitis is caused by infection, corresponding antibiotics also need to be used for treatment.
ii. Surgical Treatment
1.Anterior chamber paracentesis: In certain situations, e.g. when the intraocular pressure is too high, anterior chamber paracentesis may be required to reduce the intraocular pressure and relieve the symptoms.
2.Vitrectomy: For some severe cases of uveitis, especially when accompanied by complications such as vitreous opacity and retinal detachment, vitrectomy may be necessary.
iii.Other Treatments
1.Immunosuppressants: For uveitis caused by some autoimmune diseases, immunosuppressants may be needed for treatment, such as cyclosporine, azathioprine, etc.
2.Supportive Therapy: During the treatment process, it is also necessary to provide sufficient nutritional support to the dog, keep the eyes clean, and prevent the dog from scratching its eyes, so as to promote the recovery of the condition.
The treatment of canine uveitis requires formulating individualized treatment plans based on the specific causes, the severity of the condition, and the physical condition of the dog. Therefore, once it is found that the dog has uveitis, it should be taken to a pet hospital in time for diagnosis and treatment as early as possible.