Uveodermatological Syndrome:

Uveodermatological Syndrome (UDS) is an immune-mediated canine disease characterized by inflammation of the eye, depigmentation of skin and whitening of hair. Morbidity is related primarily to the eye inflammation, which can result in secondary ophthalmological disorders that lead to blindness. Treatment involves both topical and systemic immunosuppression. It is believed that UDS results from a genetic flaw, and as yet there is no cure.

Uveodermatological Syndrome is similar to the human Vogt-Koyanagi-Haradi Syndrome (VKH), was first described in 1977. Human VKH is characterized by uveitis (inflammation of the eye), poliosis (whitening of hair), vitiligo (depigmentation of skin) and a variety of neurological symptoms. Unlike VKH, however, UDS does not usually present with neurological symptoms. Because of the similarity of the two entities, UDS is sometimes referred to as VKH-like Syndrome or simply VKH. Although generally considered to be more common in Northern breeds, such as Akitas, Siberians and Samoyeds, there have been reports of the disease in a wide range of breeds, including the Australian Shepherd, Dachshund, Brazilian Fila dog.

Clinical Relevance: Some breeds in which uveodermatologic syndrome has been reported (eg, Siberian Huskies, Old English Sheepdogs, Australian Shepherds, and Shetland Sheepdogs) often have heterochromia irides. This case highlights the fact that dogs with asymmetric uveal pigmentation may have unilateral ocular changes; therefore, uveodermatologic syndrome should not be excluded as a differential diagnosis on the basis of unilateral clinical signs.

Here are links to good documentations of dogs with the disease:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/articles/vkhsyndrome.htm
http://www.samoyedhealthfoundation.org/diseases/uveodermatologic-syndrome-uds/living-with-uds-vkh



Below is my documentation of my dog who got the disease around age six which is the typical age for this disease to manifest although sometimes it strikes sooner. My earlier posts will fill you in on the sequence of events. Feel free to contact me via email or post comments. I will keep updating this blog as best as possible.