Dry Eye—Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca Dry eye is a commonly overlooked condition in Veterinary Ophthalmology. Always do a STT—Schirmer Tear Test in all

Dry Eye—Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

Dry eye is a commonly overlooked condition in Veterinary Ophthalmology. Always do a STT—Schirmer Tear Test in all cases of corneal disease, all cases of conjunctival disease, and all cases of ocular discharge. The normal STT in dogs is >15, cats 5 –10 mm wetting/minute.
Causes of Dry Eye

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The most common cause of canine dry eye is breed related. In these cases we suspect that there is an immune mediated reaction against the lacrimal glands that produce the tears. At Animal Eye Care we see this most commonly in West Highland White Terriers, Cavaliers, Miniature Schnauzers and Maltese. Other causes of dry eye include chronic conjunctivitis, eyelid disease, removal of cherry eyes, systemic sulphonamide drugs. If you see a dry eye and an ipsilateral dry crusty nostril, think neurogenic dry eye——-→
The most common cause of Feline Dry Eye is from herpes virus infection.

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Clinical signs of Dry eye

The classic sign of KCS is a thick, ropey, mucoid discharge, that dries and crust on the eyelids. When we see this discharge, we automatically assume dry eye. There will also be hyperaemia, both of the eyeball and the eyelid conjunctiva, and depending of the severity and duration, vascular and or ulcerative keratitis, and or pigmentary keratitis.

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In acute cases there may be blepharospasm. Acute dry eye is seen most commonly in large breed dogs, and the initial presentation maybe a deep corneal ulcer.

Cats are special, they usually lack the mucoid discharge, and may present with conjunctival hyperaemia or ulcerative keratitis. Unless you regularly do STT in cats you will miss dry eye.

ALWAYS DO A SCHIRMER TEAR TEST IN ALL CASES OF
CORNEAL DISEASE, CONJUCNTIVAL DISEASE and
OCULAR DISCHARGE

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