Dry Eye (Keratitis Sicca)
Anne Jones RN, BSNE
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Keratitis Sicca affects many Bichons, especially as they grow older.
The common name is dry eye. As with other eye diseases, the first
sign may be redness in the eye, along with a discharge. The
discharge may be thickened and white, yellow (may indicate
infection) or clear (excessive tears). Your veterinarian can
determine if there is need for antibiotic for infection or may refer
you to an ophthalmologist for a more thorough examination.
The thick white discharge is probably keratitis sicca, caused by a
lack of tear production. It may be inherited, may be autoimmune in
nature or may be from drying caused by extensive use of antiallergy
medications. It can be short term or chronic. A test, called the
Schirmer tear production test, involves inserting a dye embedded
paper beneath the lower lid to mesure the amount of tears being
produced. It is fast and inexpensive. Lack of tears can cause a
corneal ulcer to form and this can last for weeks and may result in
permanent scarring of the cornea if untreated. Scar tissue can
impair the vision.
Treatment for dry eye will be long term and will likely involve the
use of prescription eye drops twice a day. The drug used is a
solution of cyclosporine (brand name Optimune). Human artificial
tears, preferably the ointment kind in a tube, can help in the short
term. The use of antibiotics is necessary only when there is an
infection. Artificial tears used for temporary relief associated
with the use of antihistamines will not prevent corneal
ulceration in the dog with chronic keratitis sicca.
http://www.vin.com/proceedings/Proceedings.plx?CID=WSAVA2005&PID=10925&O=Generic
http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/Diseases/ocular%20disorders/keratoconjunctivitis%20sicca%20.htm
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