KERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS SICCA IN THE DOG - C ASE PRESENTATION, TREATMENTWITH CYCLOSPORINE-A

Etiology, clinical appearance, diagnostics and therapy of keratoconjun ctivitis sicca (KCS) in the dog are described and discussed with refer ence to the relevant literature. 92 cases of KCS from 1989-1993 are re viewed. 81 dogs had been pretreated. West Highland White Terriers (WHW ) (33 dogs, 36 %) were the prominent breed. Mean age at first presenta tion was lower in the WHW (4,82 years) than in the other dogs (7,55 ye ars). 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 diseas ed eyes had low (0-2 mm) Schirmer-tear-test (STT) values at first pres entation. 10 eyes showed corneal ulceration. Etiology could be confirm ed by case history or clinical examination in 10 dogs. Most of the oth er cases and especially those in the WHW were believed to be immune-me diated. 120 eyes were treated by topical application of 2 % cyclospori ne 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. Succe ss 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.