Canine Dry Eye

Some dogs are more prone to certain health conditions than others. Pet owners may find that their pet continuously battles what appear to be eye infections; however, these infections may actually be canine dry eye. While the symptoms of dry eye look like those of infections in the eye, they are actually a result of poor tear production.

  1. Definition

    • Dry eye is more technically known as Keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS. It is a condition in which dogs have an inadequate production of tears.

    Symptoms

    • The cornea of a dog with dry eye is typically swollen, inflamed, and dry. The eye is red and the dog squints or repeatedly blinks. The affected eye often drains a yellow discharge. The eye may appear cloudy and impairs the dog's vision.

    Diagnosis

    • A vet diagnoses dry eye in dogs. Because the condition is easily confused with conjunctivitis, the doctor examines the canine's eye and performs the Schirmer tear test. During the test, the vet sticks thin papers on the inside of the dog's eyelid to absorb tears. Depending on the amount of tears absorbed, a diagnosis is made. KCS is confirmed when a lack of the proper amount of tears is present.

    Treatment

    • Because many cases of dry eye go without knowing the cause, the condition is often managed rather than cured. If a dog has dry eye and is taking sulfa medication, the medication should be stopped. The dog's owner should also clean the canine's eyes and wipe away the discharge. The vet typically instructs the owner to apply tear replacement medications in the dog's eyes throughout the day. The vet will likely recommend Cyclosporine ointment. In extreme cases, surgery is an option.

    Breeds

    • Some canine breeds are more prone to dry eye than other breeds. Dogs with the most occurrences of dry eye include bulldogs, Lhasa apso, Cocker spaniels, West highland terriers, Pugs, and Pekingese.