Feline Medicine Q&A 16

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A 7-month-old DSH cat is presented with a 2-month history of waxing and waning inappetence, lethargy, and some weight loss. The owner has noticed that both of the eyes look abnormal.

Question	Answer		Article
What abnormalities are visible?	There is obvious hyphaema (blood in the anterior chamber) which has clotted, suggesting a high fibrin content. The remaining view of the aqueous chamber is slightly hazy due to aqueous flare. The iris blood vessels are very prominent suggestive of an intense vasculitis. A focal deposit is visible on the anterior lens capsule and is likely to be a persistent pupillary membrane. The pupil has slightly irregular margins.		Link to Article
What is the likely diagnosis?	Anterior uveitis (inflammation of the iris and/or ciliary body) with hyphaema.		Link to Article
What are the possible causes of this condition?	Differential diagnoses include: Infectious causes, e.g. FIP, FeLV, FIV, Toxoplasma gondii, and systemic mycoses (e.g. histoplasmosis, blastomycoses, cryptococcosis). Recently, FHV and Bartonella henselae have been implicated as possible causes of uveitis. Idiopathic uveitis. Disseminated neoplasia, especially lymphoma. Autoimmune disease. Blunt and penetrating trauma to the eye. FIP was diagnosed in this case. The cat had very high serum globulin levels (69 g/l [6.9 g/dl]), predominantly comprising gamma globulins on serum protein electrophoresis. Haematology revealed a mild anaemia, and lymphopenia.		Link to Article