Book a demo of the industry-leading marketing program for veterinarians Schedule Here
Book a demo of the industry-leading marketing program for veterinarians

Diseases and Conditions: The Detriments of Dry Eyes in Dogs

Dry eye, formally known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), is a condition where the eyes lack sufficient tears, leading to discomfort and potential vision problems. Tears play a vital role in eye health, providing lubrication, flushing away irritants and infectious agents, and carrying metabolic waste from the outer eye.

Causes of Dry Eye

  • Infections: Canine distemper infection and feline herpes upper respiratory infection can both lead to dry eye.
  • Congenital Factors: Some animals may have a congenital lack of tear-producing gland tissue, which is observed in certain lines of Yorkshire terriers.
  • Medications: Exposure to sulfa-containing antibiotics, such as trimethoprim-sulfa combinations, can lead to temporary or permanent dry eye.
  • Injury or Surgery: Damage to tear-producing glands during surgery or trauma to the tear-producing glands can cause dry eye.
  • Immune-Mediated: The most common cause of KCS is immune-mediated destruction of the tear-producing glands, particularly in breeds like American Cocker Spaniels, Miniature Schnauzers, and West Highland White Terriers.

Diagnosis

A Schirmer Tear Test is used to measure tear production. A strip of paper is placed in the lower eyelid for 60 seconds, and the moistened area is measured. A length of 15mm or more is normal, while less than 5mm is considered severely dry.

Treatment

  • Cyclosporine: Topical cyclosporine eye drops or ointment are the primary treatment for KCS. Cyclosporine suppresses immune destruction of tear glands and restores tear production.
  • Tacrolimus: An alternative immune modulator to cyclosporine, used in cases unresponsive to cyclosporine.
  • Pilocarpine: For neurogenic KCS, stimulating tear glands, it is given orally.
  • Artificial Tear Solutions: Over-the-counter products that can be used along with other therapies to provide relief and soothing.
  • Topical Antibiotics: Used to address secondary infections that can occur due to inadequate tears.
  • Topical Steroids: May help reduce inflammation associated with KCS.

Surgical Solutions

In severe and unresponsive KCS cases, parotid duct transposition is a surgical procedure where the salivary gland's duct is moved to deliver saliva to the eye as a substitute for tears.

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing dry eye and preventing complications such as corneal inflammation and vision impairment.

Don't have a vet in your area yet? We can help you find a local veterinarian.

If you have more questions, the GeniusVets Telehealth platform will give you unlimited access to text and/or video calls with board-certified veterinarians! To learn more click here.

dog care guide

The Ultimate Guide
to Dog Care

This free guide is an indispensable manual for dog ownership. Filled with veterinary advice and recommendations on every important topic at each stage of your dog’s life, this is all the stuff that responsible dog owners need to know. That is why we are making it free!

Learn More