Companion Animals

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye) in Dogs: Welfare and Management

Welfare guide to canine KCS — a chronic, painful eye condition that is highly manageable with appropriate treatment.

Key Facts

KCS results from inadequate tear film production, causing painful corneal and conjunctival drying
It affects an estimated 1 in 22 dogs in the UK — West Highland White Terriers, Bulldogs, and Cocker Spaniels are predisposed
Clinical signs include mucopurulent discharge, corneal dullness, redness, squinting and pain
Untreated KCS causes corneal ulceration, pigmentation and blindness
Schirmer tear test measurement is the standard diagnostic tool
Ciclosporin eye drops (Optimmune) stimulate tear production in the majority of cases
Tacrolimus is an alternative immunomodulator for ciclosporin non-responders
Lifelong treatment is required — welfare monitoring should include regular STT measurements

Welfare Significance

KCS is a painful, progressive condition that causes significant suffering if undertreated. Affected dogs experience constant ocular discomfort from drying of the eye surface, analogous to severe dry eye in humans. Prompt diagnosis and consistent use of ciclosporin or tacrolimus eye drops dramatically improves welfare and prevents sight-threatening complications.

What You Can Do

Seek veterinary assessment for any dog with chronic eye discharge or squinting
Use prescribed eye drops consistently and at the correct frequency
Measure Schirmer tear test values regularly to monitor treatment effectiveness
Do not miss eye drop doses — even a day's break can allow ocular surface drying