Keratitis is a condition of the eye that causes inflammation of the cornea. It is a common eye problem in dogs but can be managed with proper treatment. Here’s what to know about keratitis in dogs:

What is Keratitis in Dogs?

Keratitis is corneal inflammation in the eye and is a common eye problem in dogs. The cornea is the transparent outer layer of the eye and when it becomes inflamed, it’s called non-ulcerative keratitis. If the top layer of the cornea is disrupted, a corneal ulcer can form, which is ulcerative keratitis.

There may not be any obvious changes to the cornea at first, but there may be subtle cloudiness to the eye. As keratitis progresses, dark pigmentation will begin to show on the cornea. Non-ulcerative keratitis can also progress and corneal ulcers can occur. In these cases, it’s possible to have both non-ulcerative and ulcerative keratitis as this indicates both inflammation of the cornea and the presence of corneal ulcers.

Types of Keratitis in Dogs

There are a few types of keratitis that can occur in dogs. These types include ulcerative keratitis, infectious keratitis, chronic superficial keratitis, pigmentary keratitis, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). These different types may require different treatments, which is why it’s important to have a diagnosis from your veterinarian.

1. Ulcerative Keratitis (Corneal Ulcers)

This type of keratitis is inflammation and ulceration affecting the cornea. When the cornea develops an ulcer, the corneal epithelium (or the outer layer of the cornea) is damaged. This is often caused by scratching or trauma to the eye, eye infections, irritants like dust, and corneal diseases.

2. Infectious Keratitis

Infectious keratitis is often developed during or following a bacterial or viral infection.

3. Chronic Superficial Keratitis (Pannus)

Chronic superficial keratitis (also called pannus) presents as brown pigmentation on the cornea and is most often found in German Shepherds and Greyhounds.

4. Pigmentary Keratitis

Pigmentary keratitis (sometimes called exposure keratitis) can occur after dust or other particles in the air irritate the eye. This type of keratitis is most common in flat-faced dogs (brachycephalic dogs).

5. Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS)

The final type of keratitis is keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), which is another type found in brachycephalic breeds. It may also have an auto-immune aspect to it.

Symptoms of Keratitis in Dogs

If a dog has keratitis, some symptoms will appear:

• Eye changes including change of color, white cloudiness or haze, or brown discoloration
• The appearance of blood vessels in the cornea
• Inflammation around the eye
• Redness
• White, green, yellow, or clear discharge from the eye
• Excessive tearing and subsequent tear stains
• Squinting
• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy
• Impaired vision

These are symptoms you should never ignore in your dog and if you notice any, be sure to schedule an appointment with your vet.

What Causes Keratitis in Dogs?

There are a few different causes of keratitis in dogs. Making sure the right cause is found will help determine the proper treatment. The most common causes of keratitis include:

• Dry eye due to a lack of tear production or sleeping with the eyes open. Some autoimmune disorders may also cause dry eyes.
• Trauma from chemical irritants in the eye. Air pollutants like dust and dirt can also cause trauma to the cornea. Entropion in dogs can cause eyelashes to rub the cornea, leading to corneal damage.
• Viral, bacterial, or fungal Infections.
• Breed predispositions, such as brachycephalic breeds or German Shepherds.
• Ocular diseases like glaucoma, neoplasia, or anterior uveitis.

How Keratitis in Dogs is Diagnosed

If keratitis is suspected, your vet will perform a general physical exam and blood work. A urinalysis and possible X-rays may be utilized to rule out underlying reasons for the eye inflammation. There are a few specific tests used on the eyes.

1. Fluorescein Stain

One of these tests is called a fluorescein stain. In this test, the vet drops a small amount of green fluorescein dye into each eye, which then gets rinsed out. Then, a black light will illuminate the area of stain residing in the eye. If a part of the eye glows green, there is an ulcer present.

2. Schirmer Tear Test

Another test called the Schirmer tear test is used to diagnose dry eye. Tear testing strips are placed under the eyelid for a short period. The paper will absorb the tears and allow the veterinarian to assess if the eye is producing an acceptable amount of tears.

3. Ocular Culture

The last test is called an ocular culture. The vet will take a swab of the fluid around the cornea and then the swab is submitted to the laboratory. The swab will be left for a period of time to grow any bacteria that may be on the cornea. The bacteria is then analyzed and proper treatment is determined based on the results.

How to Treat Keratitis in Dogs

In order to treat keratitis, the underlying cause of the inflammation needs to be addressed. Common treatments typically include antibiotics to clear up any infections present. Steroids are often given to reduce inflammation and reduce discomfort unless an ulcer is present. Lubricants help moisturize the eye and immunosuppressive medications are given if the keratitis is caused by an immune response.

Ulcerative Keratitis Treatment

If ulcerative keratitis is present, treatment depends on how severe the ulceration is. Dogs with ulcerative keratitis are typically prescribed topical antibiotics as well as pain medication. If the ulcer is superficial, it usually heals in about a week.

Deeper ulcerations may need several treatments and require much more healing time. Sometimes vets place a soft contact on the dog’s pupil which protects the cornea during healing. surgery might also be necessary for corneal transplants or conjunctival grafts.

What is the Prognosis of Keratitis in Dogs?

The prognosis for keratitis will depend on the treatment of the underlying cause of the inflammation. If keratitis is caused by trauma to the eye, infection, or other causes like entropion, full recovery is possible as long as the cause is properly treated! However, if the condition is caused by an auto-immune disease, treatment might be necessary for life.

Chronic superficial keratitis does not have a cure but thankfully it can be managed with proper medication. Managing this condition will be lifelong and the dog will need regular exams to monitor the condition and assess and address any potential side effects of the medication.

Can Keratitis in Dogs Be Prevented?

Unfortunately, some types of keratitis cannot be prevented since some dogs have a predisposition to the condition. Even though the condition may be hard to avoid completely, make sure to talk to your vet. Catching the disease early can help your dog have a better chance of getting the right treatment and can help prevent the disease from progressing too much.

To prevent general keratitis, be sure to help your dog protect their eyes. If their fur rubs their eye, a groomer or vet may be able to trim the fur in the eye area to reduce irritation. If your dog has been outside in grassy or dusty areas, a damp cloth can be used to gently clean the eye area. You can even get protective eye goggles to wear in bright sun or dusty weather. These are especially good if you and your dog frequent the beach!

This is just an overview of what to know about keratitis in dogs. Thankfully, it’s a treatable condition and your dog will be back to good eye health soon!