Keratoconjunctivitis sicca and corneal melanosis in a dog: Case report

Authors

  • Emanuele Soares dos Santos Centro Universitário Nossa Senhora do Patrocínio https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1380-3975
  • Karina de Camargo Oliveira Centro Universitário Nossa Senhora do Patrocínio
  • Leandro Vinícius Carniel Centro Universitário Nossa Senhora do Patrocínio
  • Denise de Fátima Rodrigues Centro Universitário Nossa Senhora do Patrocínio

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31533/pubvet.v16n11a1265.1-5

Keywords:

Dog, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, cornea

Abstract

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, also known as dry eye syndrome (DES), is a common clinical disease in veterinary ophthalmology. It is characterized by a reduction of the watery part of the tear film, and by eye health complications due to corneal dryness. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is an incurable condition, but there are treatments corresponding to its clinical presentation, which can be acute, intermediate or chronic. Early diagnosis with appropriate treatment contributes to a favorable prognosis. The present study reports a case of keratoconjunctivitis sicca in a 3-year-old male Pug, who presented bilateral mucopurulent secretion and corneal opacity. Upon ocular examination, corneal hyperpigmentation and bilateral corneal opacity and bilateral ectopic eyelashes were observed, without the presence of pruritus, discomfort or visual impairment. For diagnosis, we used: fluorescein-based eye drops to assess the integrity of the corneal-conjunctival epithelium; tonometry, an examination that assesses intraocular pressure (IOP), and the bilateral Schirmer test, which aims to assess tear production. After the results, the dog was diagnosed with keratoconjunctivitis sicca and corneal melanosis. Topical therapy was instituted as treatment, with 0.04% tacrolimus ointment applied to the eyelids once a day for 6 months. A significant response in tear production was observed and the melanosis was stabilized and reduced, with no need for surgical intervention.

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Published

2022-11-30

Issue

Section

Medicina veterinária

How to Cite

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca and corneal melanosis in a dog: Case report. (2022). Pubvet, 16(11), e1265. https://doi.org/10.31533/pubvet.v16n11a1265.1-5

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