Veterinary Guide to Chorioretinitis in Dogs 2025 🐶

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

🔍 Introduction

Chorioretinitis is inflammation of the choroid and retina (posterior uvea), often called posterior uveitis. Though vision isn’t always affected initially, this serious condition can cause retinal detachment and blindness if left untreated—prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential. 👁️

💡 What Is It?

• Inflammation that affects both the choroid (vascular layer beneath the retina) and retina, key for vision.
• May present as focal lesions (granulomas), retinal discoloration, or detachment visible on fundic exam.
• Often a sign of systemic disease, a comprehensive investigation is usually warranted.

⚠️ Causes

• Infections: fungal (blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, aspergillosis), bacterial (rickettsial, Bartonella, brucellosis, leptospirosis), viral (distemper), protozoal (toxoplasmosis).
• Immune-mediated: e.g. uveodermatologic syndrome seen in Akitas, Huskies, Chow Chows.
• Hypertension: High blood pressure may cause retinal hemorrhage and detachment.
• Trauma, toxins, and neoplasia: may also trigger inflammation and posterior segment damage.
• Genetic conditions: retinal dysplasia or Collie eye anomaly can mimic or exacerbate chorioretinitis.

🚨 Clinical Signs

• Often painless unless anterior uvea is also inflamed.
• Fundic exam reveals pigmented or pale lesions, hemorrhages, retinal folds, or detachments.
• Poor vision, bumping into objects, pupillary changes, or altered tapetal reflection.
• Signs of systemic illness—fever, weight loss, respiratory or neurologic abnormalities—may be present.

🔬 Diagnostic Strategy

• Full ophthalmic exam (indirect and direct ophthalmoscopy, tonometry, slit lamp).
• Ocular ultrasound or imaging if media opacity prevents a clear view.
• Blood pressure, CBC, biochemistry, infectious serologies (fungal, rickettsial, Bartonella, etc.).
• Anterior chamber or vitreous tap for cytology/culture if needed.
• Systemic imaging (chest/abdomen), plus CSF tap if neurologic signs present.

🛠 Treatment & Management

• Anti-inflammatory therapy: systemic corticosteroids or NSAIDs plus posterior-targeted ocular steroids (e.g., prednisolone acetate) as long as no infection ruled out.
• Antimicrobials: systemic antifungals (itraconazole, fluconazole, amphotericin B) or antibiotics per infectious etiology.
• Manage complications: control hypertension, treat glaucoma or retinal detachment medically or surgically.
• Supportive care: ocular lubricants, manage anterior inflammation, and pain control.
• Treat systemic disease: e.g., immune-mediated, neoplasia, trauma.

📈 Prognosis & Follow-Up

• Outcome depends on cause—good prognosis if detected early & treated effectively; guarded in deep fungal or neoplastic cases.
• Retinal scarring or vision loss may be permanent in areas of detachment.
• Follow-up exams every 2–4 weeks initially, then > every 3 months once stable.
• Periodic systemic rechecks for ongoing disease management.

🛡 Prevention & Owner Guidance

• Maintain vaccination and parasite control to reduce systemic infections.
• Monitor and treat systemic illnesses (hypertension, autoimmune, neoplasia) early.
• Routine ophthalmic screening for at-risk breeds (e.g., Collies, Huskies, Akitas).
• Seek immediate vet care for eye changes or systemic illness signs.

🔧 Tools & Support Services

• Ask A Vet App: 24/7 guidance through fundus findings, diagnostics, and urgent care 📱

✅ Final Thoughts

Chorioretinitis is a vision-threatening posterior eye inflammation that often reveals systemic disease. Early detection, fundic exams, thorough diagnostics, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial therapy can preserve vision and overall health. Use tools like Ask AVet, ongoing monitoring and comprehensive care into 2025 and beyond. 🐾❤️

Download the Ask A Vet app today to upload fundus images, track treatment response, and access expert ocular care advice. 📱💡