Uveodermatologic Syndrome in Dogs

Category: Eye
Breeds documented: 2
Published sources: 3

Overview

In uveodermatologic syndrome, the immune system is thought to attack pigment-producing cells, affecting the eyes, skin and coat. Inflammation inside the eyes often appears before the skin changes. Skin can lose its normal color, and patches of hair may turn white. Uncontrolled eye inflammation can lead to retinal detachment, increased eye pressure and blindness.

Signs to watch for

Red, watery eyes
Squinting or avoiding bright light
Cloudy-looking eyes
Loss of vision
Paler skin around the nose, lips or eyelids
White patches of hair, sometimes with hair loss or scaling

Often begins in young adulthood, but puppies and older dogs can also be affected.

Emergency See a vet immediately if your dog develops painful, inflamed eyes.

Diagnosis and tests

Diagnosis combines the history of eye and skin changes with a veterinary eye examination. A skin biopsy, where a small tissue sample is examined under a microscope, can support the diagnosis. The sample may show inflammation around pigment-producing cells and a loss of normal pigment.

Breeds with documented risk

2 breeds

By breed size

2 Medium

SamoyedMedium · Working Group
Akita InuMedium · Miscellaneous Class

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.