Uveodermatologic Syndrome in a Rat Terrier

Abstract

A 4 yr old intact male rat terrier presented with severe bilateral nonresponsive panuveitis. Bilateral uveitis, blepharospasm, conjunctival hyperemia, diffuse corneal edema, peripheral bullous retinal detachment, and secondary ocular hypertension were noted. Ocular lesions progressed despite aggressive medical treatment and were followed by cutaneous depigmentation and crusting along the nasal planum. Intensive oral and topical anti-inflammatory and topical antiglaucoma medications were administered, but the ocular disease progressed. A bilateral enucleation was performed. Uveodermatologic syndrome was diagnosed from histopathologic examination of a skin biopsy as well as histopathology of both globes after bilateral enucleation. To maintain control of the dermatologic lesions, oral azathioprine was initiated, but it was not well tolerated by this patient. Immunosuppressive doses of oral cyclosporine and anti-inflammatory doses of oral prednisone were used to control the depigmentation and crusting skin lesions.

Dermatological Problems of Brachycephalic Dogs

“…This rare immune-mediated disease primarily affects Akitas but also occurs in other breeds, including Chow Chows [ 14 , 90 , 91 ]. The pathogenesis is complex, including a heritable component (canine leukocyte antigen alleles) and an inflammatory response including Th17, Th1, and Th2 helper cells with the formation of associated cytokines, autoantibodies, and macrophages infiltration, targeting pigmented structures of the eyes, ears, hair, skin, and nervous system [ 14 , 182 ].…”

“…This rare immune-mediated disease primarily affects Akitas but also occurs in other breeds, including Chow Chows [14,90,91]. The pathogenesis is complex, including a heritable component (canine leukocyte antigen alleles) and an inflammatory response including Th17, Th1, and Th2 helper cells with the formation of associated cytokines, autoantibodies, and macrophages infiltration, targeting pigmented structures of the eyes, ears, Diagnosis of the different forms of allergy can be achieved by a response to flea treatment, a strict elimination diet over 4 to 8 weeks with subsequent provocation, the exclusion of other causes of pruritus, and the application of specific established criteria (Favrot's criteria) [11].…”

Canine Secondary Glaucomas

“…The condition was first described in Akitas, although it has since been diagnosed in several other breeds. 30,[124][125][126][127] Akitas with a particular dog leukocyte antigen haplotype are thought to be at greater risk of developing the disease, suggesting an immunemediated pathogenesis. 128 UDS is characterized by a severe granulomatous anterior uveitis and chorioretinitis.…”

Autoimmune diseases affecting skin melanocytes in dogs, cats and horses: vitiligo and the uveodermatological syndrome: a comprehensive review

“…Ten dogs (23%) had additional regions affected: the mouth/oral cavity, the footpads and/or the genitalia. Interestingly, all dogs (10/10; 100%) with genital (scrotum and/or prepuce) involvement were males [76, 79, 81, 83–85, 87, 88, 91, 93]. In the oral cavity, the most commonly affected region was the palate (4/10; 40%) [67, 79, 87, 94].…”