Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 11, 2025
04:00
Author Spotlight: Establishing a Practical and Cost-Effective Protocol for Corneal Sensitivity Testing in Clinical Settings
Published on: August 2, 2024
2.5K
Neurogenic keratoconjunctivitis sicca in 34 dogs: A case series
Amy P Galley1, Elsa Beltran1, Roser Tetas Pont1
1Royal Veterinary College (RVC), Queen Mother Hospital for Animals (QMHA), London, UK.
Veterinary Ophthalmology
|December 6, 2021
Summary
Neurogenic keratoconjunctivitis sicca (NKCS) in dogs often presents as idiopathic, but underlying facial neuropathy can be identified. Oral pilocarpine 2% effectively treated responsive NKCS cases.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary ophthalmology
- Canine neurology
- Ocular surface disease
Background:
- Neurogenic keratoconjunctivitis sicca (NKCS) is a complex ocular condition in dogs.
- Understanding its clinical presentation, causes, and treatment is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the clinical and imaging findings, etiologies, treatments, and outcomes for dogs diagnosed with NKCS between 2010 and 2019.
- To identify factors associated with treatment response in canine NKCS.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective search of a clinical database for dogs diagnosed with NKCS.
- Inclusion criteria included Schirmer Tear Test-1 (STT-1) readings below 15 mm/min and clinical signs of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) with ipsilateral xeromycteria.
Main Results:
- Thirty-four cases of NKCS were identified, with a mean age of 8.2 years.
- Common concurrent neurological deficits included facial neuropathy (38%), peripheral vestibular syndrome (29%), and Horner's syndrome (15%).
- Idiopathic NKCS accounted for 53% of cases, while other causes included endocrinopathy, otitis interna, and head trauma. Oral pilocarpine 2% (± lacrimostimulant) was used in 88% of treated cases, with 48% showing positive response.
Conclusions:
- Idiopathic NKCS is the most common presentation, but underlying causes like facial neuropathy should be investigated.
- Oral pilocarpine 2% demonstrated efficacy in treating responsive canine NKCS cases.
