Dry Eye syndrome or Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) is a common, potentially blinding condition that develops due to decrease of tear production in the eye.
Some selective breeds of dogs are usually prone to “dry eye” syndrome. They are mainly Cocker spaniel, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Pug, West Highland White Terrier, Dachshund,Miniature Schnauzer, etc.
Tears do much more than just provide comforting lubrication. They also contain anti-bacterial protein, salts, sugars and oxygen to nourish an area that has no blood supply.
Tears play a major role in flushing away irritants and infectious agents that constantly get into a dogs’ eyes.
Without a continuous and adequate supply of bactericidal tears, bacterial organisms soon overgrow on the eye introducing various degrees of local inflammation soon followed by a dominating gooey yellow discharge and signs of discomfort.
Dog’s having red eye along with yellow discharge, and frequently pawing at eyes, is surely suffering from dry eye syndreme (KCS).
KCS should be treated early, but if left untreated, then it will lead to chronic suffering. In response to chronic KCS, the corneal surface thickens and becomes irregular resulting in pigmentary keratitis which eventually leads to irreversible blindness. Pug, Miniature Schnauzer and Dachshund are especially prone to this form of keratitis.
The most frequent cause is believed to be immune disorder that leads to decrease of watery component of the tear film. Approximately 72% of the dogs with KCS have the disease in both eyes. Othe causes are, Hypothyroidism, Canine Distemper, Chronic viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, Facial nerve trauma, Sulfonamides drugs (used to treat colitis and bacterial infections), and anesthetic agents also temporary reduce tear production.
Treatment of KCS consists of both drug therapy and surgery. Cyclosporine is the drug of choice since 1995, it works by stimulating the tear gland to produce more tears. It is claimed that almost 80% of dogs will increase their normal tearing by Cyclosporine. Antibiotics, mucolytics, and hormones are also used.
Source:EdmondSun.com
Filed under Dog, Entirely Pets, Pet Meds | Tags: Antibiotics, Cocker spaniel, Cyclosporine, Dachshund, Dry Eye syndrome, Eye, hormones, Keratitis, Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS), Lhasa Apso, Miniature Schnauzer, mucolytics, Pekingese, Pug, Shih Tzu, Tears, West Highland White Terrier | Comment Below
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Dry Eye syndrome or Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) is a common, potentially blinding condition that develops due to decrease of tear production in the eye.
