KERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS SICCA IN THE DOG - CASE PRESENTATION, TREATMENT WITH CYCLOSPORINE-A

Etiology, clinical appearance, diagnostics and therapy of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in the dog are described and discussed with reference to the relevant literature. 92 cases of KCS from 1989-1993 are reviewed. 81 dogs had been pretreated. West Highland White Terriers (WHW) (33 dogs, 36 %) were the prominent breed. Mean age at first presentation was lower in the WHW (4,82 years) than in the other dogs (7,55 years). 53 of the dogs (58 %) were female and 39 (42 %) male. There was no detectable difference concerning sex incidence between WHW and the other dogs. 77 dogs (84 %) showed KCS on both eyes. 75 % of the diseased eyes had low (0-2 mm) Schirmer-tear-test (STT) values at first presentation. 10 eyes showed corneal ulceration. Etiology could be confirmed by case history or clinical examination in 10 dogs. Most of the other cases and especially those in the WHW were believed to be immune-mediated. 120 eyes were treated by topical application of 2 % cyclosporine A twice daily. Treatment results were recorded in 100 eyes: 76 eyes showed an increase of STT-values of 4 mm or more after 4 weeks. Success rate was lower in the WHW (64 %) than in the others (86 %). Initial STT-values did not influence the treatment success rates. 10 dogs (18 eyes) were treated by parotid duct transposition. Each case resulted in sufficient wetting. Salt deposits originating from the saliva in 4 dogs were the severest complication in this procedure.