To the influence of canine herpes virus 1 (CHV-1)on the aetiology of chronic superficial keratitis (CSK) in connection with a Strontium 90 radiotherapy

The exact aetiology of CSK still remains unknown. In this study eight corne al biopsies and 13 conjunctival biopsies of affected eyes were examined by means of a PCR for Herpes DNA, because the canine herpesvirus CHV-1 might p lay a role in the immunemediated pathogenesis of this disease. A single conjunctival biopsy taken seven days after radiation therapy with Strontium 90 was positive for CHV-1. In human ophthalmology a reactivation of herpes infection after lasertherapy is well described and may also be th e reason for the positiv PCR in this study.