Vet Clinic October09
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OCTOBER IS ‘DRY-EYE’ MONTH
Is your dog suffering from DRY EYE?
TAKE A CLOSER LOOK
What is dry-eye?
‘Dry-eye’ or Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) is caused by a reduced functioning of the dog’s tear glands. This means the dog cannot produce enough tears, leading to the term ‘dry-eye’.
Damage to the tear gland is irreversible, and can be progressive. This is a painful condition that can lead to permanent blindness.
Dry-eye is a lifelong condition, and requires lifelong treatment.
If this condition is not treated, the eye becomes very dry. This is very uncomfortable for the dog, but it also has serious consequences for the eye itself, and the dog’s sight.
Natural tears have many important functions; they provide nutrients, lubrication, cleanse the eye and help protect against infections.
It is very important to diagnose this condition early as treatments are more effective.
How do I know if my dog is affected?
‘Dry-eye’ is quite common – 1 in 22 dogs are affected.
All breeds can develop this condition but some breeds are more predisposed to getting the condition; West Highland Terriers, Pugs, Cocker Spaniels, King Charles Cavalier Spaniels, Yorkshire Terriers, Bulldogs, Shih-Tzus, Pekinese and Lhasa Apso.
Signs to look out for;
Eyes red and inflamed.
Uncomfortable eyes – your dog may rub the eyes, blink excessively or keep the eyes closed.
Discharge form the eyes.
Dry looking eyes.
Frequent eye infections or corneal ulceration.
‘Dry-eye’ is also associated with other disease such as Diabetes Mellitus, Hypothyroidism and Hyperadrencorticism. Dogs with these conditions should be tested for ‘Dry-eye’.
How is it diagnosed?
This is done by measuring tear production, using a Schirmer Tear Test (STT). This is simple, quick, and painless for your pet and no anaesthetic or sedation is needed.
The Schirmer Tear Test is a special strip of paper and it is placed into the eye, for just 60 seconds. This then measures the amount of tears produces by the eye. The results are immediate.
FREE EYE TEST FOR YOUR DOG
At Hutchison, Dunlop & Baird Veterinary Surgery (Wetherby), we are committed to preventative health care for all animals in all areas of health. This is why for the month of OCTOBER are offering all dogs a FREE ‘dry-eye’ test.
Please make an appointment with one of our qualified veterinary nurses on (01937) 582025 and please bring this article with you.
