Seen primarily in dogs, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), or “dry eye”, is a condition affecting the cornea and conjunctiva of the eye resulting from inadequate tear production. Actually, only the water portion of the tear film is deficient; the mucus portion is still produced in adequate quantities. This leads to the characteristic green, mucoid buildup in and around eyes affected with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). The lack of adequate tear moisture also predisposes the cornea to damage and ulcers. Long-term sequelae include pigmentation of the corneal surface and blindness.
keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) can have a number of underlying causes. In many breeds such as Yorkshire terriers, schnauzers, cocker spaniels, bulldogs, and beagles keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) can be an inherited trait. Other potential causes include canine distemper, certain medications (such as sulfa drugs), hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, and autoimmune disease.
Diagnosis of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is made using tear flow tests to determine the amount of tear production. Treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) involves the use of tear replacement drops, followed by an application of a tear replacement ointment to seal in the drops. These replacements must be applied every 3 to 4 hours to be truly effective. If infection or inflammation is present, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications should be instilled into the eyes as well.
Medications designed to stimulate more tear production have been used for treatment in the past with varying success. Also, the drug cyclosporine can be quite effective at stimulating renewed tear production in some dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). For more information on cyclosporine, owners should contact their pets’ veterinarians.
In especially advanced cases of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), surgical intervention might become necessary. The standard surgical treatment used, called parotid duct transposition, involves repositioning a duct from a salivary gland to the corner of the affected eye(s), thereby providing a constant source of moisture (saliva) to the eye.
keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) can have a number of underlying causes. In many breeds such as Yorkshire terriers, schnauzers, cocker spaniels, bulldogs, and beagles keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) can be an inherited trait. Other potential causes include canine distemper, certain medications (such as sulfa drugs), hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, and autoimmune disease.
Diagnosis of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is made using tear flow tests to determine the amount of tear production. Treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) involves the use of tear replacement drops, followed by an application of a tear replacement ointment to seal in the drops. These replacements must be applied every 3 to 4 hours to be truly effective. If infection or inflammation is present, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications should be instilled into the eyes as well.
Medications designed to stimulate more tear production have been used for treatment in the past with varying success. Also, the drug cyclosporine can be quite effective at stimulating renewed tear production in some dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). For more information on cyclosporine, owners should contact their pets’ veterinarians.
In especially advanced cases of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), surgical intervention might become necessary. The standard surgical treatment used, called parotid duct transposition, involves repositioning a duct from a salivary gland to the corner of the affected eye(s), thereby providing a constant source of moisture (saliva) to the eye.
Post a Comment