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Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a relatively common condition in dogs. Although KCS can be diagnosed readily with a thorough ophthalmic examination, the diagnosis is often overlooked. KCS is an inflammatory condition of the cornea and conjunctiva, secondary to a deficiency of the precorneal tear film (PTF).
- What Is Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca?
- What Causes Dry eye?
- Are Certain Breeds More Likely to Develop KCS?
- What Are The Clinical Signs of Dry eye?
- How Is KCS Diagnosed?
- How Is Dry Eye Treated?
- What If I Can't Apply The medication?
- What Is The Prognosis For A Dog Diagnosed with KCS?
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is also commonly referred to as dry eye. The medical term means inflammation of the cornea and surrounding tissues from drying. It is a common eye condition resulting from inadequate production of tears by the lacrimal gland and/or gland of the third eyelid.
Tears are required to lubricate the surface of the eye (cornea and conjunctiva) and remove any debris or infectious agents that may contact the eye. The tear film is a mixture of mucus, fatty liquid, and water. Any condition that impairs the ability to produce adequate amounts of tear film can result in dry eye. Some of the common causes of KCS inc...
Yes. The breeds more likely to develop KCS include: American Cocker Spaniel, Bloodhound, Boston Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, English Bulldog, English Springer Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Miniature Schnauzer, Pekingese, Pug, Samoyed, Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier.
Most dogs with KCS have painful, red, and irritated eyes. They may squint, blink excessively, or hold their eyes shut. There is often a thick, yellowish, mucoid discharge because of the decrease in the watery component of the tear film. Corneal ulceration is often present. In chronic cases, there is often a history of recurrent eye injuries, ulcers...
Diagnosis is based on medical history, clinical signs, and decreased tear production tests. The most common tear production test is the Schirmer tear test (STT). This simple test uses a special wicking paper to measure the amount of tear film produced in one minute. Additional diagnostic tests may include corneal staining to check for corneal ulcer...
The treatment of dry eye has two objectives: to stimulate tear production and to replace tear film, thereby protecting the cornea. There are two commonly used eye medications to stimulate tear production: cyclosporine (brand name Optimmune®) and tacrolimus. Both are easily placed in the eyes once or twice daily. These drugs are very safe, and most ...
If you are unable to administer your dog's eye medication, we will discuss the possibility of surgical correction. While this is not an option for all dogs, we will help determine if this is a possibility for your pet. Surgical correction involves repositioning the salivary duct so that it secretes saliva onto the eyes. This surgery is usually perf...
With today's tear stimulating drugs, the prognosis for dogs diagnosed with KCS has never been better. Dry eye requires lifelong medical care. With diligent attention and monitoring, most dogs are able to enjoy a pain-free life. If the condition is diagnosed late in the course of the disease and if extensive corneal scarring has developed, the pet m...
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) is a common condition in dogs that is also referred to as dry eye. KCS causes the inadequate production of tears resulting in the inflammation of the lacrimal gland, cornea and the conjunctiva.
The function of the PTF is to maintain ocular surface health by facilitating lubrication, removal of foreign material and provision of antimicrobial components. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is caused by a deficiency in the aqueous portion of this tear film, which is produced by the nictitans and lacrimal glands.
Treatment of KCS in Dogs. By Dr. Shelby Reinstein, DACVO. The majority of dogs with KCS are managed medically with a combination of tear stimulants, tear substitutes, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatories. Treatment regimens require adjustments based upon serial eye exams and STT measurements. Surgical therapy for KCS is reserved for dogs that ...
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a tumor of skin cells. As shown in the illustration, the skin is made up of several layers of cells with the squamous layer at the top. Because this type of cancer arises from squamous cells, tumors can develop anywhere that these cells are present. This can include the nail bed, paw pads, abdomen, back, ears ...
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Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or actinic keratosis is a malignant tumor of epidermal cells in which cells show differentiation in keratinocytes (it is the major constituent of the epidermis, constituting 95% of the cells found there). It accounts for 5% of all cutaneous tumors found in dogs.
