We Are The Cure Blog | Canine Cancer Information

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or ‘dry eye’ is a disease that affects the tear production system in a dog’s eye. It can either result from allergy to sulfa medications, trauma, distemper infection or abnormal degradation of the lacrimal glands. The reduction of the aqueous layer of the tear film leads to tissue damage which if left untreated may cause blindness.

KCS is generally asymptomatic until tear production is less than 10 millimeters in 60 seconds. Some of the noticeable signs may be yellow green mucoid discharge, cloudy surface of the eye, redness in or around the eye, pigment or conspicuous blood vessels across the clear portion of the eye, squinting, eye pain, inflammation of certain parts of the eye like the cornea, eyelids, and sensitivity to light. Sometimes this disease also aggravates to ulcers of the cornea which if not treated properly may inflict permanent damage to vision.

Breeds like Bloodhounds, Boston Terriers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chihuahuas, Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, English Bulldogs, English Springer Spaniels, Lhasa Apsos, Miniature Schnauzers, Pekingese, Pugs, Samoyeds, Shih Tzus, West Highland White Terriers and Yorkshire Terriers are predisposed to KCS.

Early detection is important for preserving the vision and the most reliable diagnostic work-up for KCS is a Schirmer tear test. It is a very simple method in which a small strip of absorbent paper is placed on the lower eyelid for 60 seconds. It is expected that the paper would soak up 20 millimeters of tears during that time. However, if the paper remains dry for most part of the time, the presence of KCS is confirmed. However, if the amount of tears is found between 12-18 millimeters, the chances of recovery are greater.

Artificial tear replacement eye-drops and topical application of cyclosporin are recommended for treating KCS. However in case of further deterioration like eye infections, corneal damage, or glaucoma additional treatment may be required.