Species: Dog
Condition: Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca
Organ System: Nervous/sensory
The abnormal production of tears by the lacrimal glands often paves the way for KCS in dogs. Tears play several important roles in protecting and maintaining the integrity of the eyes including corneal transparency, cleansing, lubrication, nutrient transport, infection control and healing. Tear deficiency increases the risk of corneal and conjunctival irritation. Corneal ulcers often lead to scarring of the cornea that can result in vision loss. Some dog breeds are predisposed to KCS including English bulldog, Pug, Chihuahua, Pekingnese, Bull terrier, Poodle, Schauzer, and several others. If one eye is affected, the abnormality can quickly affect the other eye within a few months. Affected dogs rub their eyes and are often seen squinting due to increased sensitivity to light. Eyes may appear red and inflamed and chronic cases often manifest dull and dry cornea. A thick mucus discharge is often present around the eye. When left untreated, chronic cases often end up in thickened and scarred cornea.
Breeds exposed to Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca – Research Reference
Golden Retriever Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Lhasa Apso Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Pug Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
French Bulldog Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Curly Coated Retriever Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Sussex Spaniel Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Poodle – Toy Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Miniature Poodle Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Shih Tzu Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Pekingese Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
St Bernard Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Shetland Sheepdog Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Spoodle – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Cavoodle – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Golden Doodle (Groodle) – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Cocker Spaniel – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Curly Coated Retriever – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
French Bulldog – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Golden Retriever – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Lhasa Apso – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Miniature Poodle – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Pekingese – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Poodle – Toy – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Pug – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Shetland Sheepdog – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Shih Tzu – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
St Bernard – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Sussex Spaniel – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Spoodle Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Cocker Spaniel Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine
To learn more about Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.
This information is accurate as at May 2014 and is subject to change without notice.
For Petmed Pet Health Insurance – pre-existing condition exclusion applies. Annual Benefit Limits and excess amounts vary based on pet health insurance plans.
