We tell you about Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis: Explains the Signs, Causes & Care
Some people think Golden Retrievers are the best pets. These dogs are friendly, smart, and loyal, making them great for any home.
Golden Retrievers have many great traits, but there are some health problems that new owners need to know about. This article will talk about pigmentary uveitis, a condition that can hurt a Golden Retriever’s eyes.
In older Golden Retrievers, pigmentary uveitis can cause severe pain, loss of vision, and even blindness. Quick treatment is key to slowing the disease, so it’s important for Golden Retriever owners to know the early signs.
What is Pigmentary Uveitis?
Golden Retrievers can get pigmentary uveitis (PU), a painful eye condition that can cause blindness. It was first noted in 1996 and is now common in Golden Retrievers in North America. About 23.9% of Golden Retrievers over 8 years old in the U.S. have PU.
PU usually starts around age 8.5 and can affect both male and female dogs equally. It often affects both eyes but can sometimes affect just one. While other health issues can cause general uveitis in dogs, PU is not linked to other eye or body problems
Read more: Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis: Explains the Signs, Causes & Care
What Are the Signs of Pigmentary Uveitis?
Early signs of PU can be mild. One sign is a dark color on the eye’s lens. Other signs include:
- Red, inflamed eyes
- Watery eyes with squinting
- Darkening of the eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Cloudy or blurry vision
If you see any of these signs, take your dog to the vet right away.
Vets and pet eye doctors may also see other PU signs, such as eye diseases, unusual attachments in the eye, or particles in the eye’s front chamber.
Glaucoma
Your vet might also find glaucoma, a painful condition that can quickly cause blindness. Up to 46% of dogs with PU can develop glaucoma within a few months of being diagnosed with PU.
Uveal Cysts
During an eye exam, your vet might see uveal cysts. These can float in the eye or stick to the pupil. While not always a sign of PU, they do increase the chance of PU developing in Golden Retrievers.
Causes of Pigmentary Uveitis
We don’t fully understand what causes PU. Uveal cysts are a known risk factor, but their role in PU is still debated. There is no conclusive proof that PU is genetic, but it might be passed down from one parent. Because PU develops later in life, a dog might have passed it on to many offspring before being diagnosed. The Golden Retriever Club of America recommends annual eye exams for dogs to help catch PU early.
What is Uveitis?
Uveitis can show up in many ways in dogs. It causes symptoms like pain, light sensitivity, and eye irritation. Signs include:
- Red eyes
- Eye discharge
- Squinting
- Cloudy or swollen eyes
- Blood or pus in the eye
Uveitis often affects both eyes when caused by a systemic issue. Other symptoms of the underlying issue might also be present, like increased thirst or vomiting. Uveitis can be hard to diagnose because symptoms can be subtle.
Treating Uveitis in Dogs
Treating uveitis involves identifying and addressing the cause. Vets might use oral and topical medications, like anti-inflammatory drugs or steroids. If a corneal ulcer is present, the vet will avoid certain medications that could worsen the ulcer. Immunosuppressive drugs might be used for autoimmune disorders. In severe cases, surgery might be necessary.
Prognosis for Uveitis in Puppies
Uveitis can improve within 24 to 48 hours of treatment but might take up to 5 days to clear cloudiness. Regular vet check-ups are necessary to ensure the treatment is working. Severe cases can lead to glaucoma and blindness.
Caring for a Golden Retriever with Pigmentary Uveitis
Work closely with a vet to care for a dog with PU. Dogs with PU need frequent medication adjustments and regular exams. Watch for signs of pain or vision loss, as these could indicate worsening glaucoma.
Preventing Pigmentary Uveitis
Preventing PU involves early diagnosis and not breeding affected dogs. Regular treatment and monitoring can slow the disease’s progression, but there is no cure.
Conclusion
Pigmentary uveitis is a serious condition that can cause pain and vision loss in Golden Retrievers. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to managing the disease. Regular eye exams by a veterinary ophthalmologist are recommended to catch PU early and prevent affected dogs from breeding. Further research is being done to improve outcomes for these loving dogs.
