Uveitis and dermal depigmentation (Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-1 ike syndrome) in Akita dogs. I. Clinical aspects

Abstract

The Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome have been studied in human beings. A similar syndrome was firstreported in Japan in Akita dogs. Several reports havea ppeared in veterinary literature in Canada, in the United States and in United Kingdom affecting different breeds. We described the clinical aspects of the Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-Like syndrome in twenty-one Akita dogs. The ocular findings include bilateral anterior or posterior uveitis or a severe panuveitis, cutaneous depigmentation around eyelids, lips, nasal planum, and scrotum which can present ulceration and crusting. The cause of the disease remains unknown and the administration of high doses of corticosteroids is the treatment of choice. This is the first communication of the syndrome in Brazil.