What condition is deep neovascularization, or ciliary flush, pathognomonic for?

Deep neovascularization, also known as ciliary flush, is particularly associated with uveitis. This condition arises due to inflammation of the uveal tract (which includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid), causing an increase in blood flow and permeability, leading to the characteristic redness around the cornea. In uveitis, the ciliary vessels become engorged, resulting in the appearance of a prominent limbal flush or redness. This clinical sign is a key indicator to veterinary ophthalmologists that there is underlying inflammation within the eye that requires further assessment and management.

The other conditions listed may have different associated ocular signs but do not specifically present with ciliary flush as a hallmark feature. Corneal scarring typically presents with changes in the cornea's surface rather than vascular changes. Retinal detachment primarily affects the innermost layer of the eye and would not typically manifest as ciliary flush. Similarly, subconjunctival hemorrhage causes visible bleeding in the conjunctiva rather than vascular changes indicative of deep neovascularization. Thus, the presence of ciliary flush is a definitive sign of uveitis and serves as a crucial diagnostic clue in veterinary ophthalmology.