Mary Allen
The exact term is keratitis superficialis chronica and also occurs in breeds other than the shepherd dog. It is a chronic, incurable but controllable disease. It even has to be controlled, otherwise, blindness can result. If detected early enough, eyesight can be preserved for life.
Chronic superficial keratitis
often arises at an early age in the dog. On the one hand, the cornea is affected, on the other hand also the third eyelid – is the nictitating membrane.
Initially, there is reddening of the eye, especially from the temples over the cornea. Due to this inflammation, the cornea becomes gray-blue and black pigment (dye) is deposited. The eyes water and the dog often squint. All signs of inflammation can be reversed, only the pigment deposits remain. But if it is far enough advanced, the eyesight is limited.
The edge of the third eyelid, which is usually black, is particularly affected. It swells and develops reddish-bluish spots. This is expressed in a so-called “lymphoplasmacellular infiltration of the nictitating membranes”. Sometimes this can even be the only symptom without corneal involvement.
The exact cause of the disease is not known. We know that the immune tissue in the eye suddenly attacks its own body, in this case, the cornea and the conjunctiva. Ultraviolet rays (sun rays) are probably responsible for triggering this mechanism. For this reason, places with strong radiation should be avoided if possible for the dog’s benefit (high mountains, snow, holidays by the sea/lake). Wearing suitable sunglasses for dogs (UV-A/UV-B protection) makes sense, but is not tolerated by all dogs. But dogs that are not particularly exposed to the sun can also get this disease. So there are other factors. Genetic factors in particular play a role.
Treatment
The excessive inflammatory response of the eye was previously treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. These were cortisone, which was given as drops or ointment, but also as injections. Medication is now available that does not contain cortisone and is, therefore, less dangerous and has fewer side effects. These ciclosporins modulate the misreading defense system in such a way that the inflammation can subside. Even large-scale changes and proliferation of red “growth tissue” over the cornea can be brought to regression with medication. Surgery is usually not necessary or useful for this disease.
As the disease progresses, it is important to realize that long-term therapy will be necessary. There will always be phases where, in addition to long-term medication, another measure may have to be taken to keep the inflammation under control. Then again there are phases in which the disease appears to be dormant. Regular checks are therefore advisable. This is the only way to prevent possible consequences and avoid irreversible conditions. It is crucial in all of this that German Shepherd keratitis is recognized early and treated accordingly.