Dry eye in the dog and its treatment

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is a relatively common eye disease in the dog. The presenting signs are described and the aetiology due to canine distemper, trauma and hypothyroidism mentioned. A familial incidence in the West Highland White has been demonstrated, thirty-five per cent of two hundred cases occurring in this breed and of these cases over seventy per cent occurred in the female, the majority between 4 and 7 years of age. The indications are that keratoconjunctivitis sicca may be an autoimmune disease with similarities to Sjögren's syndrome. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca in the dog has also occurred following the use of sulphasalazine for the treatment of colitis. The operation of parotid duct transposition is described and its value in the dog discussed.