Uveitis in the young cat: causes and suspicion of FIP
11-month-old British Shorthair from a breeder, with persistent fever unresponsive to antibiotics, weight loss and bilateral uveitis with fibrin in the anterior chamber, large keratic precipitates and perivascular cuffing in the retina. There is hyperglobulinaemia.
What is the most likely cause of the uveitis?
chevron_right Show answer and explanation
A. Dry feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)
Correct. A young cat from a breeder with refractory fever, hyperglobulinaemia, bilateral fibrinous uveitis and retinal vasculitis fits non-effusive FIP, in which the eyes are a common target organ.
B. Idiopathic lymphoplasmacytic uveitis
It is common in cats, but it is usually chronic, in adult cats and without systemic signs. It is only diagnosed after ruling out causes such as FIP.
C. Feline herpesvirus-1 uveitis
Herpesvirus mainly causes conjunctivitis and keratitis; its role in uveitis is doubtful and it does not explain the fever or hyperglobulinaemia.
D. Traumatic uveitis
Trauma usually causes unilateral uveitis and does not explain the fever, weight loss or bilateral retinal involvement.
lightbulb Key takeaway
In every cat with uveitis, look for systemic causes: FIP (especially in young cats), FeLV, FIV, toxoplasmosis and lymphoma. Fundoscopy is a very useful diagnostic tool when dry FIP is suspected. Even so, in many adult cats no cause is found (idiopathic uveitis).
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.