What you need to know about the keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), “Dry Eye Syndrome” or DES in pets, Texas
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca in dogs – otherwise known as Dry Eye Syndrome – is a chronic condition that occurs when significant changes to the overall health of tear-producing glands affect the quality and quantity of tears produced. The tear film will no longer be able to provide adequate protection or nourishment to the surface of the eye.
This multifactorial disease of the ocular surface and tears results in tear film instability, visual disturbance, as well as potential damage to the ocular surface. This condition grows progressively worse and may end up robbing the dog of his eyesight completely.
Symptoms of Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca in Dogs
The symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome include:
- Swollen blood vessels of the eye
- Excessive blinking
- Ulcerated or cloudy eyes
- Protrusion of the third eye
- Discharge from the eyes
If you notice your dog incessantly scratching the surrounding areas around their eyes, he may have an inflamed cornea and conjunctiva. Your pet could be in extreme discomfort, so make sure you treat this condition as soon as possible.
Dog Breeds that Have Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca
Although keratoconjunctivitis sicca may be common in dogs, a few breeds are genetically predisposed to this severe eye problem.
Some of these dog breeds include:
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Chow Chow
- West Highland White Terriers
- Dachshund
- Cocker Spaniel
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Shih Tzu
- Toy Poodle
- Chihuahua
But that is not all. Other dog breeds highly susceptible to Dry Eye include:
- Bulldog
- Affenpinscher
- Lhasa Apso
- Pekingese
- Pug
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Standard Schnauzer
- Sealyham Terrier
- Gordon Setter
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca can lead to blindness in breeds such as Dachshund and Pug, who are especially prone to this chronic condition. Owing to the lack of lubricating tears and lack of bacteria clearing, the corneal surface will thicken, resulting in potential ulceration as well as intolerance to light right before blindness occurs.
What is the Common Treatment Protocol for Dry Eye in Dogs?
Artificial tear, as well as immunosuppressant medications, are usually prescribed for Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca in dogs. Immunosuppressant medication work by cutting off the immune system’s attack of the dog’s tear glands. However, the drugs do not stop the attack entirely.
Moreover, medications for Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca in dogs do not always produce the most desired results. And in most cases, it comes with several side effects. Sadly, your pooch will need this medication for the remainder of his life.
Other conventional treatment consists of drug therapy or surgery. Drugs like mucolytics, antibiotics, and hormones help to reduce the quantity and thickness of mucous.
Stem Cell Treatment for Dry Eye Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca
Stem cells have been used at Safarivet to treat Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca successfully. Stem cells help to arrest the attack on the tear glands by adequately resetting the dog’s immune system.
This means it is possible to treat Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca in dogs as soon as stem cells are injected into Fido’s tear glands as well as the third eyelid. And the eye problem will be resolved for life.
Conclusion
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca in dogs is a debilitating condition that can result in blindness for the dog. However, at Safarivet, we can use our state-of-the-art facilities and Stem Cell Therapy to treat Dry Eye in dogs.
So, what are you waiting for? If your pet is showing Dry Eye symptoms, visit Safari Veterinary Care Center today!