Abstract
Purpose :
To evaluate the signalment and ocular histopathology of 238 dogs enucleated and diagnosed with canine uveodermatological syndrome (UDS).
Methods :
The database of the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin was searched for the term “VKH-like”, a prompt used to designate UDS. Gross trimming notes and histological sections from enucleated globes were evaluated.
Results :
The median±SD age of dogs diagnosed with UDS was 6.9±3.2 years; males were slightly overrepresented. Sixty-four breeds were represented; however, Akita, Shepherd, Husky, Labrador retriever, Boxer, Chow Chow and mixed breed dogs comprised over 50% of the study population. Dogs were primarily enucleated due to uncontrolled uveitis and glaucoma, with fewer dogs enucleated due to uncontrolled uveitis and retinal detachment. Other than in Akitas and in dogs presenting with dermatological signs the clinicians rarely suggested UDS as a differential diagnosis. Enucleations of the left and right eyes were equally represented; 28% of dogs underwent bilateral enucleation. Histopathologically, eyes were presented with varying degrees of histiocyte-rich granulomatous uveal infiltrates, which were always present in the choroid and subtending the retinal pigment epithelium. Histiocytes presented pigmentary incontinence in all cases. Granulomatous infiltrates variably extended to the optic nerve meninges. When both globes were examined the lesions were remarkably symmetrical. The retina was relatively spared of inflammation.
Conclusions :
Uveodermatologic syndrome occurs in a large variety of breeds and is often not suspected by the treating clinician. Pigmentary incontinence of histiocytes affecting the choroid and lack of inflammation in the retina are the histopathological hallmarks of this syndrome.
This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2016 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, Wash., May 1-5, 2016.