Dry Eye in Dogs (Dry Eye or Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, KCS)
Another common eye disease in dogs is dry eye disease, which is an abnormality of the tear film that coats the eyes, resulting in dry eyes, inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva.
Symptoms of dry eye disease include frequent blinking, swollen blood vessels in the white of the eye, swelling of the white of the eye, protruding third eyelid, mucus or pus, and corneal vascularity, pigmentation, or ulceration (in chronic cases). If these symptoms are severe, vision can be reduced.
Dry eye disease has the following causes:
- Inflammation of the lacrimal glands, which may be caused by an autoimmune disorder
- It is congenital.
- It is a neurological disease that sometimes occurs after an accident that causes the eyeball to bulge out of its socket.
- It is caused by the use of certain medications, such as atropine eye drops, which are usually temporary, or by the use of sulfa antibiotics and etodolac anti-inflammatory drugs, which can be either temporary or permanent.
- Cherry eye surgery using third eyelid excision (third eyelid contains the main tear-producing glands)
- Systemic diseases such as Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
- Infections of the conjunctiva, such as Chlamydia bacteria, or chronic inflammation of the conjunctiva and eyelids.
- This is due to the breeds of dogs that are more likely to have dry eye disease, such as Shih-tzu Cocker spaniels, Cavalier king charies spaniels, Bulldogs, West highland white terriers, Lhasa apso, and Beagles.
Diagnosis Based on symptoms and medical history, a tear test (Schirmer tear test) may be used to measure tear volume and stain the cornea to look for corneal ulcers that may occur as a result of dry eye.
Treatment and care There are as follows:
- Artificial tears
- If you notice that your dog has a lot of eye mucus, clean around the eyes with an eye wash or warm water.
- Take your dog to the vet if he has eye irritation. Do not leave it untreated as it may lead to serious complications such as corneal ulcers.
- If inflammation occurs, your veterinarian will prescribe eye drops that contain an antibiotic and/or an anti-inflammatory agent.
- Lacrimal stimulating eye drops are necessary for severe and chronic dry eye problems. Or in breeds of dogs that are prone to dry eye disease, which often require lifelong use of this medication.
- Surgical treatment by moving the salivary duct to open inside the eyelid is not popular because it has side effects and high complications. Because using tear stimulating drugs gives satisfactory results if used regularly.
Eyes are an important organ for dogs. Having bright eyes means good health and a cheerful mood. We should not neglect eye hygiene. If your dog has eye problems, you should quickly take him to see an eye specialist veterinarian. Because early treatment will increase the chances of good vision for our dogs. Talingchan Animal Hospital has a center specializing in eye diseases. You can call to make an appointment in advance at 02-887-8321-3.
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