Keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs
Abstract
This article discusses keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), factors that may contribute towards KCS and how we might treat/manage it. KCS is often characterised by uncomfortable eyes accompanied with mucopurulent discharge and a general dry appearance to the cornea. Often these patients present to the veterinary practice with secondary complications such as corneal ulcers and infections. In this instance it may be difficult to get a diagnosis of KCS, however this article will discuss some pre-disposing factors, and this information along with patient history may help towards deciding treatment options. KCS can be difficult to manage if the patient is not cooperative and so this article will touch on cyclosporin implants which can be a median-term alternative to administering eye drops. Cyclosporin implants are commonly used in veterinary equine practice, however they can be similarly used for small animal patients and can provide much relief for pets and owners!
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), or dry eye, is an ocular condition commonly diagnosed in dogs, and less commonly in other species. KCS results most often from an inadequate quantity of tears or a deficient quality of tears. Tears are produced by the lacrimal or tear gland, and the gland of the third eyelid. Tears are needed to provide lubrication and nutrition to the cornea, as well as remove debris and/or infectious agents from the eye (Haeussler and Korb, 2018).
The aim of this article is to provide detailed information on contributing factors and treatment options. A glossary containing ophthalmology terms is provided (Table 1).
There are several known causes of KCS in dogs, including: immune-mediated, congenital, metabolic, infectious, drug-induced, neurogenic, radiation, iatrogenic, and idiopathic (Dodi, 2015).
Clinical signs of KCS depend on the severity of the condition. Recurrent conjunctivitis with a mucopurulent discharge and dull, lacklustre cornea are usual. Progression leads to conjunctival thickening, corneal vascularisation and pigmentation and sometimes severe ulceration (Turner, 2005). The patient may be rubbing at the eye(s), holding the eye(s) completely shut or have some degree of blepharospasm (Figure 1).
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