Dry Eye in Dogs: Comprehensive Care Guide293

Dry eye syndrome, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), occurs when a dog's tear glands fail to produce sufficient tears. Tears are vital for maintaining the health of the eyes, as they lubricate the surface of the eye, remove debris, and protect against infection.

Symptoms of dry eye in dogs include:
Redness and inflammation of the conjunctiva (the pink tissue lining the eyelids)
Squinting or excessive blinking
Thick, mucoid discharge
Corneal ulcers (open sores on the surface of the eye)
Pain and discomfort

There are two main types of dry eye in dogs:

Primary dry eye is a condition in which the tear glands themselves are damaged and unable to produce tears.
Secondary dry eye is caused by another underlying condition, such as an autoimmune disorder, infection, or trauma to the eye.

Diagnosis of Dry Eye in Dogs

To diagnose dry eye, your veterinarian will perform a thorough eye examination. They may also perform a Schirmer tear test, which involves placing a piece of filter paper inside the lower eyelid to measure tear production. A normal Schirmer tear test result is 15 mm or more of tear production within one minute.

Other tests that may be used to diagnose dry eye include:
Fluorescein staining, which can reveal corneal ulcers
Rose Bengal staining, which can show areas of inflammation on the conjunctiva
Blood tests to check for underlying autoimmune disorders

Treatment of Dry Eye in Dogs

The treatment for dry eye in dogs will depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition.

Primary Dry Eye

There is no cure for primary dry eye, but it can be managed with artificial tears and immunosuppressive medication.Artificial tears are eyedrops that provide lubrication and protect the surface of the eye. They should be used several times a day, as directed by your veterinarian.
Immunosuppressive medication can help to reduce inflammation and prevent the immune system from attacking the tear glands. It is usually given in the form of an oral medication or eyedrops.

Secondary Dry Eye

If the dry eye is caused by an underlying condition, such as an autoimmune disorder or infection, the treatment will need to address the underlying cause.
Autoimmune disorders may be treated with immunosuppressive medication or corticosteroids.
Infections will need to be treated with antibiotics or antiviral medication, depending on the type of infection.

Long-Term Care for Dogs with Dry Eye

Dogs with dry eye will need ongoing care to manage their condition and prevent complications.

2025-02-04

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