[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Texte” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
KCS is the abbreviation for \u201cKeratoconjunctivitis Sicca\u201d, the medical term for dry eye. When there is\u00a0either inadequate tear production or distribution of tears, the eye surface becomes desiccated or \u201cdried\u00a0out\u201d. Signs of KCS may include a red eye, squinting, crusty and \/ or mucoid discharge, or dull\u00a0appearance to the cornea (clear outer dome of the eye).[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4″ admin_label=”Ligne” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ophtalmoveterinaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Capture-decran-2016-08-24-a-18.53.04.png” alt=” Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, Dry eye syndrome dog, pus, crust, redness, cornea, pain, film, tear” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”3.23″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_duration=”500ms” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”left” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”] [\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ophtalmoveterinaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Capture-decran-2016-08-24-a-18.45.08.png” alt=” Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, Dry eye syndrome dog, pus, crust, redness, cornea, pain, film, tear” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”3.23″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_duration=”500ms” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”left” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”] [\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ophtalmoveterinaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Capture-decran-2016-08-24-a-18.49.13.png” alt=” Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, Dry eye syndrome dog, pus, crust, redness, cornea, pain, film, tear” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”3.23″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_duration=”500ms” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”left” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”] [\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ophtalmoveterinaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Capture-decran-2016-08-24-a-18.49.21.png” alt=” Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, Dry eye syndrome dog, pus, crust, redness, cornea, pain, film, tear” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”3.23″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_duration=”500ms” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”left” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”] [\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Ligne” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Texte” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]Four photographs of dog affected by KCS at various stages.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Ligne” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Texte” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The surface of the eye is covered by a thin layer of tears which perform several essential functions. The\u00a0tears keep the surface of the cornea wet so that oxygen can be taken into the cornea, rinse the surface\u00a0of the eye clean, lubricate the eyelid movements and help control infection. When these actions are\u00a0missing, the cornea is deprived of oxygen, irritated and prone to infection. The result is severe,\u00a0sometimes permanent damage to the cornea.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_2″ admin_label=”Ligne” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ophtalmoveterinaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Capture-decran-2016-08-24-a-18.56.07.png” alt=”Lipid, aqueous and mucinic, tear composition, lack, KCS, Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, dry eye” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”3.23″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_duration=”500ms” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”left” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”] [\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Texte” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]Schematic of the 3 layers of the tear film:\u00a0lipidic, aqueous and mucinic[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ophtalmoveterinaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Capture-decran-2016-08-24-a-18.56.20.png” alt=”Yorkshire terrier, Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, dry eye, dog, pus, crust, redness, cornea, pain, film, tear” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”3.23″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_duration=”500ms” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”left” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”] [\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Texte” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]A Yorkshire terrier with a moderate KCS:\u00a0it is a predisposed breed[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Texte” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]This can cause blindness. The eyelids and inner membrane (third eyelid) act as \u201cwindshield wipers\u201d to\u00a0spread the tears across the cornea and to keep it clean. The tears then drain downward into tear duct\u00a0openings and into the nose just as in humans. The proper combination of tear production and\u00a0spreading is necessary to keep the cornea clear and healthy.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4″ admin_label=”Ligne” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Ligne” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Texte” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The most common cause in dogs (75-80%) is immune-mediated inflammation of the lacrimal (tear)\u00a0glands. Others include allergies, infections, hormonal deficiencies, injuries, abnormal growths, nerve\u00a0damage, and certain medications that can decrease tear production from the glands or interfere with\u00a0normal distribution of tears.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Texte” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Treatment must include both replacing the missing tear functions and stimulating more of your pet’s\u00a0own tears. Some patients respond well to medication administered only 2-3 times daily, while others\u00a0may require more frequent treatments to keep the eyes as healthy as possible. Of course, if the\u00a0underlying cause can be identified it must also be treated.<\/p>\n
Once KCS is diagnosed, medical treatment is instituted. The most frequently used medication is topical\u00a0cyclosporine (CsA), which reduces tear gland inflammation and stimulates tear production. CsA is\u00a0successful in increasing tear production in the majority of patients with immune-mediated KCS.<\/p>\n
Patients with very low to absent tear production respond less predictably to CsA, have more complex\u00a0treatment regimens and may require surgical management to preserve vision. Medications additional\u00a0to CsA that may be prescribed include topical antibiotics, artificial tear supplements, and eye washes.\u00a0Recently, topical tacrolimus has been used in certain patients as an alternative to CsA. Patients with\u00a0inadequate or waning response to CsA may respond better to tacrolimus. Also, tacrolimus can be more\u00a0effective in stabilizing \/ reducing corneal pigmentation and scarring associated with long-term dry eye.<\/p>\n
Topical antibiotics are used to treat the secondary bacterial infection that often develops as a result of\u00a0inadequate tear production. Artificial tear supplements are used in KCS patients when CsA therapy\u00a0alone does not stimulate enough tear production. Eye washes are used to remove thick discharge from\u00a0the surface of the eye, as well as trapped dirt, pollen and debris within the eyelid folds. When using an\u00a0eye wash, use it before applying medications to the eye.<\/p>\n
Once a patient has KCS, medical therapy will alleviate the signs but will not often cure the disease.\u00a0Affected dogs and cats usually need to be treated for life. Fortunately, most pets can be maintained on\u00a0once to twice daily treatments with CsA or tacrolimus.<\/p>\n
Some do not respond to the medical treatment and therefore a surgery can be performed\u00a0(transposition of the parotid duct) in order to bring saliva to the eye as tears are missing. It is not an\u00a0ideal situation (saliva is not like tears) but it can provide sufficient moisture for the animal to be\u00a0comfortable.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Texte” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
In many patients, once tear functions are restored, the surface health of the eye will improve and the\u00a0cornea will regain its normal transparency. In other patients, there is some permanent scarring\u00a0(cloudiness) and pigment that remains on the cornea.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Texte” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Replacing the missing tear functions and improving your pet’s own tear production can take a few days\u00a0to several months. However, most patients with tear deficiency will need some type of therapy for the\u00a0rest of their life.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”Ligne” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Ligne” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Texte” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]Download the PDF version of the article<\/a><\/span>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"oculaires_categories":[39],"class_list":["post-12966","maladies_oculaires","type-maladies_oculaires","status-publish","hentry","oculaires_categories-eyelids-and-tears"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n