Changes

Canine uveodermatologic syndrome is an autoimmune condition directed against melanin of neural crest (skin, hair, anterior uvea) and neuroectodermal (retina) origin.

Canine uveodermatologic syndrome is an autoimmune condition directed against melanin of neural crest (skin, hair, anterior uvea) and neuroectodermal (retina) origin.

From what is known in humans, it is thought that a cell-mediated hypersensitivity exists against melanin and melanocytes, and distinct subpopulations of cytotoxic T lymphocytes with activity against melanocytes have been identified.

From what is known in humans, it is thought that a cell-mediated [[:Category:Hypersensitivity|hypersensitivity]] exists against melanin and melanocytes, and distinct subpopulations of cytotoxic T lymphocytes with activity against melanocytes have been identified.

The condition is reported most often in breeds such as: Akita, Australian Shepherd Dog, Beagle, Chow Chow, Samoyed, Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute and related crossbreeds.

The condition is reported most often in breeds such as: Akita, Australian Shepherd Dog, Beagle, Chow Chow, Samoyed, Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute and related crossbreeds.

==Clinical signs==

==Clinical Signs==

Initial onset of lesions has been noted in animals ranging from '''13 months to 6 years''' of age.

Initial onset of lesions has been noted in animals ranging from '''13 months to 6 years''' of age.

'''Ocular signs''' generally precede dermatological signs. Initially they consist of '''bilateral uveitis'''.

'''Ocular signs''' generally precede dermatological signs. Initially they consist of '''bilateral uveitis'''. Later this can progress to '''retinal detachment, posterior synechiae with secondary glaucoma and cataracts''' and a resulting '''blindness'''.

Later this can progress to '''retinal detachment, posterior synechiae with secondary glaucoma and cataracts''' and a resulting '''blindness'''.

'''Skin and hair abnormalities''': '''leukoderma and leukotrichia''' often involving the eyelids, nasal planum, lips, scrotum, vulva, footpads. '''Erythema, ulceration and crusting''' can also occur in the depigmented areas.

'''Skin and hair abnormalities''': '''[[Hypopigmentatin|leukoderma and leukotrichia]]''' often involving the eyelids, nasal planum, lips, scrotum, vulva, footpads. '''Erythema, ulceration and crusting''' can also occur in the depigmented areas.

Pain and prutitus can occur and '''lymphadenopathy''' is common.

Pain and pruritus can occur and '''lymphadenopathy''' is common.

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

'''Histopathology''' should be performed on skin biopsies. Biopsies show lichenoid dermatitis, histiocytes, small mononuclear cells and giant cell infiltration. The level of melanin in the epidermis and hair follicles is decreased.

'''Histopathology''' should be performed on skin biopsies. Biopsies show lichenoid dermatitis, histiocytes, small mononuclear cells and giant cell infiltration. The level of melanin in the epidermis and hair follicles is decreased.

Differential diagnoses such as SLE, pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigus erythematosus, epitheliotropic lymphoma, vitiligo and leishmaniasis should be ruled out.

Differential diagnoses such as [[SLE]], [[Pemphigus|pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigus erythematosus]], epitheliotropic [[lymphoma]], vitiligo and [[Leishmania|leishmaniasis]] should be ruled out.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

In all cases, '''aggressive treatment''' is required and short-term success is usually good. However '''recurrence is common''' and lesions may never fully resolve.

In all cases, '''aggressive treatment''' is required and short-term success is usually good. However '''recurrence is common''' and lesions may never fully resolve.

==References==

==References==

Maggs, D. (2008) '''Slatter's fundamentals of veterinary ophthalmology''' ''Elsevier Health Sciences''

Maggs, D. (2008) '''Slatter's fundamentals of veterinary ophthalmology''' ''Elsevier Health Sciences''

[[Category:To Do - Helen]]

 

[[Category:To Do - Review]]

[[Category:Expert Review - Small Animal]]

[[Category:Integumantary System - Pathology]]