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Rheumatoid factor determination in 50 dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|November 15, 1983
Summary
Rheumatoid factor was detected in 34% of dogs with dry eye disease (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). Many dogs also showed signs of immune system disorders and xerostomia, suggesting complex health issues.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Immunology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), or dry eye, is a common condition in dogs.
- The role of immune system dysregulation in KCS is not fully understood.
- Rheumatoid factor (RF) is an autoantibody associated with autoimmune diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of rheumatoid factor in dogs diagnosed with KCS.
- To explore potential concurrent immunologic disorders and xerostomia in these dogs.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 50 dogs with KCS were tested for the presence of rheumatoid factor.
- Titers of rheumatoid factor were recorded.
- Clinical signs of concurrent immunologic disorders and xerostomia were assessed.
Main Results:
- Rheumatoid factor was detected in 17 out of 50 dogs (34%) at titers ≥1:16.
- Fifteen dogs (30%) exhibited probable concurrent immunologic disorders.
- Ten dogs (20%) presented with clinical signs of xerostomia, including dry oral mucosa, periodontitis, and tooth loss.
Conclusions:
- A significant percentage of dogs with KCS have detectable rheumatoid factor.
- Concurrent immunologic disorders and xerostomia are relatively common in dogs with KCS.
- These findings suggest an underlying immune-mediated component in some cases of canine KCS.