What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Canine Dry Eye?

Canine dry eye is the common name for keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or KCS. The dog's tear ducts will no longer be able to make a suitable amount of tears. This treatable condition gets worse over time.

  1. First Sign

    • Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook states that the very first sign of canine dry eye is that their eyes will lose their usual bright appearance. Instead of shining like glossy paint, they will look like matte paint.

    Telltale Signs

    • The dog's eyes will become cloudy, reddish, and will have mucus-like discharge covering the eyeball and down the corners of the eye. The dog will also squint when in normal light or try to keep in areas of dim light.

    Significance

    • Before losing sight, the dog's cornea will get ulcers due to the dry lids rubbing against the eyeball. If canine dry eye is left untreated, the dog will become blind due to damage of the cornea.

    Other Symptoms

    • Dr. Daniel Herrera, MV, Ph.D. points out that many dogs with canine dry eye will get symptoms in their skin. They will have patches of red, itchy places called "hot spots."

    Diagnosis

    • The usual test to diagnose dry eye in dogs is the Schirmer Tear Test (STT). Dr. Herrera also notes that dogs will often show symptoms of canine dry eye before they will test positive in a STT.