As with humans, dogs can also suffer from the so-called "Dry eye syndrome". It is one of the most frequent ophthalmological diseases, and it is caused due to a deficiency of the aqueous phase of the tear or precorneal tear film. If it is not treated in time, it can cause irreversible damage.
What is it?
Its scientific name is keratoconjunctivitis sicca (SCK) or quantitative keratoconjunctivitis sicca. It consists of a chronic inflammation that affects the lacrimal glands, the conjunctiva and the cornea. In turn, this leads to certain alterations in the quantity and quality of the tears that are produced. If the disease is not treated properly, the ocular structure becomes increasingly vulnerable, even leading to blindness.
Symptom
Among the most common we find:
- Itching, burning or irritation in the eye area.
- Redness.
- Frequent blinking
- Mucous discharge from one or both eyes.
- Inflammation of the cornea.
- Excessive tearing.
It is important to go to the vet quickly if we notice any of these signs, because the sooner the problem is diagnosed, the easier it will be to solve it.
Causes
They are very varied. Among them we can name the following:
- Genetic predisposition: Breeds such as the Yorkshire, the French and English bulldogs, the Pekingese, the Cocker spaniel or the Samoyed, among others, have a certain predisposition to suffer from “dry eye syndrome”.
- Poisonings: Exposure to certain substances can lead to eye problems like this one.
- Medication: Sometimes certain antibiotics and topical anesthetics are the trigger for this syndrome.
- Autoimmune disorders: This is the case with lupus, diabetes or hypothyroidism.
- Viral infections: some diseases produce this dry eye syndrome, such as distemper.
- Aging: As they reach adulthood, dogs naturally produce fewer tears.
Treatment
Treatment varies depending on the cause. One of the most common is the frequent administration of eye drops or artificial tears. If necessary, a drug that stimulates tear production is also usually prescribed. On the other hand, there are serious cases in which surgery is used. In any case, this disease requires veterinary attention.