Keratitis

Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea. It may be acute or chronic, superficial or deep. Superficial keratitis is fairly common in dogs and may develop at any age. Prognosis is usually good with treatment. Untreated, recurrent keratitis may lead to blindness. Chronic superficial keratitis is also called pannus.

Causes of Keratitis

Keratitis usually results from infection, exposure (due the animals inability to close its eyelids, or from congenital (present at birth) disorder.

Signs of Keratitis

Keratitis that affects only one eye (unilateral keratitis) produces opacities of the cornea, mild irritation, excessive tearing and high sensitivity to light.

Treatment of Keratitis

Treatment of acute keratitis due to an infection may require broad-spectrum antibiotics. Keratitis due to exposure requires application of moisturizing ointment to the exposed cornea and of a plastic bubble eye shield or eye patch. Treatment for severe corneal scarring may include cornea transplantation (keratoplasty).

Keratitis Sicca

Keratitis sicca refers to a hereditary impaired tear secretion and inflammation of the cornea that is associated with drying. A few simple tests will help your veterinarian diagnose keratitis sicca. Treatment usually include artificial tears, antibiotics or steroids to combat corneal inflammation. The tear ducts may be flushed periodically, and sometimes surgery is required to eliminate specific causes of keratitis sicca. ²

German Shepherd Dog Keratitis

This is a chronic, superficial, spreading keratitis that is activated by UV light. The abnormalities which usually affect both eyes often start on the side, where the cornea is most exposed to light. If there is no treatment, keratitis covers both corneas within 1 year. The abnormality often occurs in German Shepherd dogs and the offspring of crossings with this breed, and in a less severe form in long-haired dachshunds. There is almost certainly a hereditary predisposition. Very infrequently, a similar picture is seen in other breeds (Cairn Terrier and Collies).¹

Superficial Punctate Keratitis

Superficial punctate keratitis involves corneal epithelium that results in small superficial opacities. Although superficial punctate keratitis may not always require treatment, topical corticosteroids will alleviate discomfort and result in healing punctate ulcers (marked with elevated or colored dots or punctures).³

Dachshund Keratitis

Chronic ulcerations and keratitis occur in dachshund dogs. This condition is termed Dachshund keratitis. Dachshund keratitis is an aggressive corneal disease; it is associated with formation of infiltrations and excessive growth of blood vessels in the cornea. It is thought to be an immune-mediated condition. With topical treatment, multiple corneal ulcers will heal rapidly. In chronic cases, progressive pigmentation may result in multiple opacities.³

References:
1. Ophthalmology for the veterinary practitioner. Frans C. Stades, Milton Wyman, Michael H. Boevé, Willy Neumann, Bernhard Spiess
2. Small Dog Breeds. Dan Rice
3. Geriatrics and gerontology of the dog and cat. Johnny D. Hoskins

Canine Eye Diseases and Vision Disorders