Clinical Characterization of Corneal Endotheliitis With Distinctive Features in Shiba Inu Dogs

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Ophthalmology
• Canine Eye Diseases

Background:

• Corneal endotheliitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the cornea.
• Distinguishing it from other corneal diseases like "blue eye" and primary corneal endothelial degeneration is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment in dogs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the clinical presentation of corneal endotheliitis in Shiba Inu dogs.
• To differentiate this condition from typical "blue eye" and primary corneal endothelial degeneration.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of medical records for 16 Shiba Inu dogs (30 eyes) diagnosed with corneal endotheliitis.
• Ophthalmic examinations including slit-lamp biomicroscopy, specular microscopy, and optical coherence tomography.
• Evaluation of clinical findings, vaccination history, treatment, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Affected Shiba Inu dogs were significantly younger (mean age 5.9 years) than those with primary corneal endothelial degeneration.
• Clinical signs included conjunctival hyperemia, geographic corneal endothelial opacities, and localized corneal edema.
• Corneal endothelial cell density was lower than normal but higher than in primary corneal endothelial degeneration; optical coherence tomography showed hyper-reflective endothelial surface areas.
• Topical steroidal anti-inflammatory therapy led to rapid resolution of inflammation and edema, though recurrences and gradual cell loss were observed.

Conclusions:

• Corneal endotheliitis in Shiba Inu dogs is characterized by geographic endothelial opacity and localized edema.
• The condition shows a favorable response to anti-inflammatory therapy.
• Younger age of onset and milder endothelial damage suggest it is distinct from primary corneal endothelial degeneration.