Canine dry eye syndrome, which is also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a condition that is very common among dogs.
Dogs that suffer from dry eye are experiencing a reduction in natural tear production. This condition causes drying and inflammation of the cornea. If you think your dog is suffering from the canine dry eye syndrome, schedule an appointment with his or her veterinarian immediately. If the condition is left untreated, it can lead to ulceration of the cornea, infection and possibly loss of vision.
There are several causes of dry eye. It can be a congenital disease. Some breeds such as American cocker spaniels, bulldogs, lhasa apsos, pugs, Pekingese, schnauzers, Shih tzus and West Highland white terriers are prone to dry eye.
Other causes include deterioration of the tear ducts, hypothyroidism, a reaction to medications or infection. Sulpha drugs are one of the more common medications that can cause canine dry eye syndrome. If you notice that your dog’s eyes show any of the dry eye symptoms after starting sulpha drugs, contact the veterinarian immediately. The doctor may choose to change medications.
The common symptoms of dry eye are redness and swelling around the eye, excessive blinking, squinting, rubbing of the eyes, ulceration or cloudiness of the cornea, impaired vision, a prominent third eyelid and a thick, yellowish discharge.
Veterinarians use the Schirmer tear test to diagnose dry eye. The doctor inserts small strips of an absorbent paper between the eyelid and the eye. The veterinarian can tell the amount of tears produced by the amount of tears absorbed by the paper. Anesthesia is not usually necessary when performing this test.
Dry eye is the most easily treated in its early stages. Unfortunately, the early stages of dry eye syndrome may not show any change in the eye or the amount of discharge, making it difficult to diagnose.
In order to effectively treat dry eye syndrome, it is necessary to stimulate the production of tears. Tear replacement products (talk to your pet’s veterinarian for recommendations) that help keep the cornea moisten are available in pet stores and at the vet’s office. It is important to keep the cornea moist with lubricants and artificial tears to avoid further injury to the eye.
Cyclosporine and tacrolimus are two medications that veterinarians have used to treat canine dry eye with success. Research is turning up new lubricants that are being used successfully to treat dry eye.
Some dogs may require antibiotics or steroids to treat the dry eye condition. These are used mostly in cases where there is a bacterial infection in the eye.
Before applying any medications, clean the dog’s eyes, making sure there is no discharge left in the area. It is important to follow application directions for the prescribed medications. Be sure to stick with the treatment until the dry eye condition is cleared up. It can take two months to eliminate the dry eyes.
If the medications do not successfully cure the dry eye syndrome, surgery could be necessary.
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