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Keratoconjunctivitis sicca

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is a lack of tears. The glands that make the watery part of the tear film no longer produce enough fluid, and the eye is no longer lubricated or cleaned. The cornea, the thin transparent membrane at the front of t...

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Definition Signs Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Complications When to see a vet Prognosis FAQ Sources Affected species

What is it?

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is a lack of tears. The glands that make the watery part of the tear film no longer produce enough fluid, and the eye is no longer lubricated or cleaned.

The cornea, the thin transparent membrane at the front of the eye, dries out, becomes irritated and then damaged. The eyelids constantly rub against a surface that is no longer protected.

It is a very common chronic disease in dogs. It does not get better on its own, but is well controlled when caught early.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Related signs — each one links to its page:

Red eyes Discharge from the eyes Pain Loss of sight

Thick, sticky, yellowish or greenish discharge that keeps coming back even after cleaning.

Red eye, eyelids that appear swollen or half-closed.

Dull appearance of the surface of the eye: the natural shine disappears, the eye appears matte or frosted.

Frequent blinking, dog rubbing its eye against furniture or with its paw.

Over time, the cornea can become bluish, then pigmented dark brown, which gradually obscures vision.

Both eyes are often affected, but rarely to the same degree.

When to consult without delay

This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.

Causes and risk factors

The most common cause is a reaction of the dog's immune system against its own tear glands, which gradually destroys them.

Damage to the nerves that control tear production can also be a cause, sometimes after a deep ear infection or trauma.

Certain general illnesses, distemper, or surgical removal of the third eyelid gland can lead to dry eye.

Medications taken for another reason may reduce tear production; This is an avenue that the veterinarian explores by taking the animal's history.

Breeds with flat faces and large eyes, as well as several small breeds and terriers, are affected significantly more often.

Middle to older age increases the risk.

A history of removal of the third eyelid gland, chronic otitis or a known autoimmune disease are contributing factors.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

The veterinarian measures tear production using a graduated strip placed for a few moments in the corner of the eye: it is a quick, painless test, which gives a comparable figure from one visit to the next.

He then applies a dye which reveals the areas where the cornea is damaged, because a dry eye ulcerates easily.

He examines the eyelids, the position of the eyelashes and the discharge to rule out other causes of red eye.

Regular monitoring is essential: the tear test is repeated to check that the treatment is working and to adjust it.

Treatment

The treatment is based on eye drops which stimulate the production of tears by the dog itself. It acts slowly, over several weeks, and must be applied for life: stopping it causes the eye to relapse.

Artificial tears and lubricating gels complete the treatment by protecting the cornea between two applications.

A local antibiotic is sometimes added when an infection has set in.

Never use eye drops prescribed for another animal or for another problem, particularly eye drops containing corticosteroids: if the cornea is ulcerated, it can aggravate the lesion to the point of perforation.

In cases that are resistant to medical treatment, surgical intervention may be considered by a specialized veterinarian.

Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.

Prevention

There is no prevention for the immune form, but simple screening changes a lot of things: in predisposed breeds, ask for a tear measurement during routine visits.

When the gland of the third eyelid comes out of its place, it must be put back into position rather than removed: its removal exposes you to dry eye years later.

Treating deep ear infections without delay limits the risk of nerve damage.

Possible complications

Corneal ulcer, which can deepen and, in severe cases, perforate the eye.

Progressive brown pigmentation of the cornea: it is largely irreversible and permanently reduces vision.

Repeated infections of the surface of the eye.

Chronic pain, often underestimated, which makes the dog less active and more irritable.

When to see a veterinarian

Your dog has a sticky discharge that comes back every day on the same eye.

His eye has lost its shine, it appears dull or frosted.

He keeps his eye closed, blinks a lot or rubs his face.

A bluish veil or brown spot appears on the surface of the eye.

The eye suddenly becomes redder and more painful despite current treatment: consult without delay, an ulcer may have formed.

Prognosis

Caught early, dry eye is well controlled: most dogs regain comfortable eyes and maintain their vision with daily treatment.

The prognosis is less favorable when the cornea has already become pigmented or when tear production has collapsed for a long time.

The regularity of treatment is the factor that weighs the most: interruptions cause loss of acquired benefit.

Frequently asked questions

Are artificial tears enough?

They relieve but do not treat the cause: they moisten the eye for a few tens of minutes. The basic treatment is eye drops which restart the dog's production of tears. The two are often associated.

Is the treatment really lifelong?

Yes in the immune form, which is the most common. The eye drops contain the disease without curing it; when stopped, tear production relapses within a few weeks.

Can my dog go blind?

This is possible if the disease progresses without treatment, through pigmentation of the cornea or through a serious ulcer. This is precisely what regular monitoring helps to avoid.

Can I clean the eye myself?

Yes, with physiological serum and a clean compress, a different compress per eye. It is a useful gesture of comfort, which does not replace the prescribed treatment.