Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a relatively common condition in dogs. Although KCS can be diagnosed readily with a thorough ophthalmic examination, the diagnosis is often overlooked. KCS is an inflammatory condition of the cornea and conjunctiva, secondary to a deficiency of the precorneal tear film (PTF).

How do dogs get KCS?

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.

What causes neurogenic dry eye in dogs?

Dogs with neurogenic KCS are frequently misdiagnosed with nasal disease due to the dramatic buildup of dried debris that can occur with this condition. Neurogenic KCS can occur due to infection, neoplasia, or trauma along any portion of the nerve.

What is the most common cause of keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs?

The most common cause of KCS in the dog is immune mediated inflammation of the tear glands. Other causes of KCS include but are not limited to: Congenital disease, such as small or absent lacrimal glands. Infectious disease, such as canine distemper virus.

Can dogs get dry eye syndrome?

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), also known as “dry eye,” is a chronic inflammatory condition in dogs which not enough tears are produced to keep the eyes properly lubricated. KCS is just one canine eye disorder that can affect the precorneal tear film (PTF) which keeps the cornea and surrounding eye tissues healthy.

Dry Eye In Dogs | Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca In Dogs | Veterinarian Explains | Dogtor Pete

37 related questions found

Are human eye drops okay for dogs?

Can human eye drops be used for dogs? Do not give your dog any human eye drops, including natural tears, before contacting your veterinarian for advice. Ingredients suitable for humans may not be suitable for dogs (and vice versa).

What is dog conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is an uncomfortable condition that may cause your dog to paw at their eye, blink or squint. You may also notice clear or green discharge from the eye or that the white of the eyes, eyelids or area surrounding your dogs eye are red and swollen.

How do you prevent keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs?

There are two commonly used ophthalmic medications to stimulate tear production, cyclosporine (brand name Optimmune®) and tacrolimus. Both are easily placed in the eyes once or twice daily. These drugs are very safe and most pets improve dramatically with their consistent use.

How do I apply Optimmune to my dog?

Squeeze the ointment onto the inside edge of the lower lid. Make sure you DO NOT touch the eye's surface with the tube. Your veterinarian will have told you the amount of ointment to apply. The warmth of the eyeball should melt the ointment, helping it to spread.

What is the difference between dry eye syndrome and keratoconjunctivitis sicca?

Dry eye syndrome (DES), also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), is the condition of having dry eyes. Other associated symptoms include irritation, redness, discharge, and easily fatigued eyes. Blurred vision may also occur.

How do you treat sicca keratoconjunctivitis?

Prescribe artificial tears, preferably preservative-free artificial tears, and a lubricating ointment. Mild dry eye disease can be treated with drops up to 4 times a day; more severe cases call for more aggressive treatment, such as drops 10-12 times a day.

What causes keratitis sicca?

Etiology of Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

Aqueous tear-deficient keratoconjunctivitis sicca is caused by inadequate tear volume. Evaporative keratoconjunctivitis sicca (more common) is caused by accelerated tear evaporation due to poor tear quality.

What does cherry eye mean in dogs?

“Cherry eye,” as it is commonly referred to, is a prolapsed gland of the nictitans. It occurs after a tear gland in a dog's third eyelid becomes inflamed. While it is usually not extremely painful, sometimes a dog will rub at it as if it were itchy.

Is dry eye syndrome curable?

Currently, there is no permanent cure for dry eye disease. However, a number of options can help maintain moisture in the eyes. These can reduce symptoms and protect vision.

Why is the skin around my dogs eyes dry?

Dogs get allergies just like people do. Food allergies, and environmental allergies and seasonal allergies, such as pollen, dust, feathers, grass, animal dander, grain, and flea saliva can cause a host of symptoms in dogs that often include dry skin.

Is dry eye in dogs painful?

“Dogs with this condition typically have red eyes from irritation as well as some thick mucoid discharge. They will squint frequently and may blink excessively or keep their eyes closed,” Dr. Martins says. Dry eye can be painful, so the animal may paw at the eye more than normal or shy away from the area being touched.

Is Optimmune an antibiotic?

Optimmune is a sterile eye ointment containing cyclosporine which helps to treat keratoconjunctivitis Sica (KCS or dry eye) in dogs.

Is Terramicina good for dogs?

Terramycin^® Ophthalmic Ointment, a broad-spectrum antibacterial ointment, is an effective treatment against a variety of primary and secondary eye infections in dogs and cats. Supports the treatment of Conjunctivitis, Keratitis, Pink Eye, Corneal Ulcer, and Blepharitis in dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, and horses.

Does keratoconjunctivitis sicca cause blindness?

The symptoms of KCS can also be representative of a bigger systematic disease so detecting the core issue is very important as there are life threatening conditions with similar symptoms, and patients with dry eye syndrome are also more often susceptible to bacterial keratitis, an infection that can potentially lead to ...

How common is dog KCS?

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a relatively common condition in dogs. Although KCS can be diagnosed readily with a thorough ophthalmic examination, the diagnosis is often overlooked. KCS is an inflammatory condition of the cornea and conjunctiva, secondary to a deficiency of the precorneal tear film (PTF).

How do I know if my dogs eye is infected?

Signs of eye infections in dogs include:

1. Redness of the eye or surrounding the eye.
2. Swelling around eye.
3. Watery discharge or tearing.
4. Thick, smelly discharge.
5. Squinting and blinking.
6. Holding eye closed.
7. Sensitivity to light.
8. Pawing or rubbing at the eye.

Can you treat dog conjunctivitis at home?

Certain causes of pink eye may require other treatments, such as medications or surgical procedures. While it might be tempting to try home remedies to treat your dog's conjunctivitis at home, this is not a good idea, and it is absolutely worth it to take your dog to a veterinarian to get a diagnosis first.

Can conjunctivitis in dogs cause lethargy?

Dogs with pink eye can become sensitive to light, so they may avoid going outside into the bright sunlight. Also, dogs may become more lethargic, sleeping most of the time when they may have previously been active.

How do I get rid of my dogs eye discharge?

Wipe the area a few times a day with a cloth dampened with warm water or an eye-cleaning solution that's made specifically for dogs. Keep the fur around your dog's eyes trimmed short. Try giving your dog an antibiotic-free nutritional supplement that reduces tear staining.