
Presumptive Diagnosis of Uveodermatological Syndrome in a 3-Year-Old Labrador Retriever
Abstract
Uveodermatological syndrome (UDS) is a rare immune-mediated disorder in dogs characterised by concurrent ocular inflammation and progressive depigmentation of the skin and hair, with a strong breed predisposition. This case report describes UDS in a 3-year old female Labrador Retriever, a breed in which the condition is rarely documented. The dog presented with progressive vision impairment, severe ocular inflammation, and marked depigmentation of the nasal planum, lips, periocular regions, and trunk. Ophthalmic examination revealed immune-mediated keratitis and uveitis, while dermatological evaluation confirmed progressive depigmentation. Common infectious and parasitic skin diseases were excluded. Haematological evaluation identified concurrent Babesia gibsoni infection, which was treated prior to initiation of immunosuppressive therapy. Management with prednisolone and azathioprine resulted in marked clinical improvement of both ocular and dermatological lesions over two months. This case highlights the importance of considering UDS as a differential diagnosis in dogs with concurrent ocular and pigmentary abnormalities, even in non-predisposed breeds.
© 2026 M. M. K. S. Senarathne, H. E. M. K. Bandaranayake, D. A. H. Y. Senarathna, R. M. Fuward, H. Ariyarathna, published by Sri Lanka Veterinary Association (SLVA)
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