Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca or Dry Eye is simply what the name implies; an inflammation and dry eye. It occurs when the water portion of the tear film has a deficiency. When this happens the eye is left dry and the membranes are left with only oil and mucus. The symptoms of Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca can often be mistaken for a case of conjunctivitis, which is a gooey yellow discharge. The diagnosis of Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca is done with a test called the Schirmer Tear Test. Treatment is usual through medicinal eye drops and artificial tears. It can also be corrected surgically but the surgery is very delicate and involves moving the saliva duct to the eye so that the eye is moisturized with saliva. Side effects of the surgery can be minerals on the eye and the dog's eyes will water when it is fed.