Dry Eye in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Lifelong Care

Dry eye in dogs, medically known as Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS), is a common and serious condition caused by insufficient tear production. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent eye damage and even blindness.

Understanding Dry Eye in Dogs

The term 'dry eye' accurately describes the condition where a dog’s eyes lack adequate tears. Tears are essential for keeping the eye surface healthy, bright, clear, and moist. They are produced by glands around the eye and spread over the surface through blinking, forming a protective layer.

Tears do far more than lubricate the eyelid movement; they:

• Wash away foreign particles like dirt or grit
• Provide vital nutrition to the cornea
• Supply oxygen to the cornea
• Contain antibacterial compounds to prevent infections

In dogs with dry eye, the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the tear-producing glands, reducing or stopping tear production altogether. Persistent immune attack can permanently impair these glands.

Recognising the Symptoms of Dry Eye

Symptoms may vary but common signs include:

• Redness and inflammation of the eye
• Pain or discomfort
• Sticky white or yellow discharge
• Cloudy or discoloured eye
• Ulcers visible on the cornea
• Squinting or frequent blinking
• Rubbing or pawing at the eyes

These signs can develop gradually, and in early stages, the eye might not appear dry. Prompt veterinary attention is important to diagnose the condition before irreversible damage occurs.

Diagnosis: The Schirmer Tear Test

Your veterinary surgeon will likely perform a Schirmer tear test. This involves placing a special absorbent paper strip under the lower eyelid for one minute, measuring tear production. Normal tear levels register around 20mm, while dry eye typically shows less than 10mm.

This simple test is generally well-tolerated by dogs and is essential for confirming a dry eye diagnosis.

Treatment and Long-Term Care

Dry eye is a lifelong condition requiring ongoing management. The mainstay of treatment is medication containing cyclosporine, which modifies the immune system to protect tear glands and boost tear production.

Your vet may also recommend:

• Artificial tears to keep eyes moist; however, these need frequent application and lack the nutritional and antibacterial benefits of natural tears
• Eye lubricants that last longer than artificial tears but still do not replace natural tear function
• Antibiotics and steroids to control infections and decrease inflammation during flare-ups, often alongside immune-modifying medications
• Surgical options where specialists may reroute saliva to the eye to provide moisture, though results can vary

It's crucial to continue treatments as prescribed, even if the eyes appear to improve. Stopping medication can trigger renewed immune attacks on tear glands, worsening the condition.

Regular check-ups and tear production monitoring by your vet are essential to adjust treatment and prevent complications.

How to Support Your Dog with Dry Eye

Beyond medication, you can help by gently cleaning any discharge around the eyes with a damp cloth, protecting your dog from irritants like dust or wind, and ensuring they avoid rubbing their eyes which could cause further damage.

If you notice any sudden changes such as increased redness, pain, or cloudiness, contact your vet promptly.

Breeds Commonly Affected

Certain breeds are more prone to developing dry eye, especially brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs like the Pug puppies, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies, and Shih Tzu puppies. Responsible breeders and owners should be aware of this hereditary predisposition and maintain vigilance for early symptoms.

Conclusion

Dry eye syndrome in dogs is a chronic, immune-mediated disease that requires compassionate, lifelong management to preserve sight and comfort. Early diagnosis and consistent treatment with cyclosporine-based medication offer the best outcome. Regular veterinary visits and home care play vital roles in supporting your dog's eye health and preventing complications.

If you observe any signs of eye discomfort or unusual discharge in your dog, seek veterinary advice promptly to protect their precious eyesight.