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Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry Eye syndrome or Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) is a common, potentially blinding condition that develops due to decrease of tear production in the eye of some breeds of dogs, such as Shih Tzu, American Cocker spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Pug, West Highland Terrier and other breeds.
Dry Eye Symptoms, Causes and Most Affected Breeds
The most common manifestation of KCS includes red, inflamed eyes and pawing at the eyes.
Breeds that are affected most often include Shih Tzu, Pekingese, Lhasa Apso, Pug, American Cocker Spaniel, Miniature Schnauzer, Dachshund and some other breeds.
SIGNS: First signs KCS are mucoid discharge from the eye, conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva, the delicate mucous membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the front part of the white of the eye — the sclera), keratitis (inflammation of the cornea, the transparent portion of the eyeball that is in front of the iris and pupil), and pain. Your dog may paw his eye constantly because of the discomfort.
CAUSES: The most frequent cause is believed to be immune disorder that leads to decrease of watery component of the tear film. Approximately 72% of the dogs with KCS have the disease in both eyes. Othe causes include:
- Hypothyroidism (a deficiency in available thyroid hormone secreted by the thyroid gland) and hyperadrenocorticism, or Cushing's Disease (caused by the adrenal gland's excessive secretion of cortisol hormone.
- Canine Distemper
- Chronic viral or bacterial conjunctivitis
- Facial nerve trauma
- Sulfonamides drugs (used to treat colitis and bacterial infections).
- Anesthetic agents which can produce temporary decrease in tear production, sometimes close to zero tear production following 1 hour of anesthesia.
In response to chronic KCS, the corneal surface thickens and becomes irregular resulting in pigmentary keratitis which eventually leads to irreversible blindness. Pug, Miniature Schnauzer and Dachshund are especially prone to this form of keratitis. In severe or chronic cases, keratitis may occur with erosion and ulceration of the corneal surface and photophobia (intolerance to light). Changes in the eye surface with decreased tear production predisposes the corneal surface to bacterial infections.
The diagnosis of KCS is based on tear tests and evaluation of the mucoid contents of the eye discharge.
Treatment consists of drug therapy and surgery: replacement therapy with artificial tears, eye ointments that works by stimulating the tear gland to produce more tears (Cyclosporin), antibiotics, mucolytics (a class of drugs that act by decreasing the mucous production and the density of mucous or viscosity) and hormones. Surgery may include parotid duct transposition - an operation to move the salivary duct from the mouth up to the eye, so that the eye is kept wet by saliva rather than tears. The operation does not cure the KCS completely and life long medication will be administered to keep the eye and face clean and to manage the condition of the affected eyes.
References:
1. School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin
Go Pets America recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.
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