Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is a fairly common eye condition. It is caused by a tear gland malfunction resulting in insufficient tear production. Because tears are necessary to lubricate and protect your dog’s eyes, keratoconjunctivitis sicca may lead to eye infections or other eye disorders.

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is sometimes called dry eye.

Symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis sicca are a glossy film over the eye, persistent redness of the eye, a thick, white or green mucus-like eye discharge, and, in some cases, impaired vision. Your dog’s eye might also be very painful and, if untreated, secondary corneal ulcers  may develop.

Most often keratoconjunctivitis sicca is the result of an autoimmune problem in which your dog’s own immune system attacks the tear gland. Reaction to medication, infections, corneal ulcerations, nerve damage or trauma to the gland may also result in keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is diagnosed with a full eye exam, including a Schirmer tear test, which measures tear production, and a flourescien dye test, which evaluates the cornea for ulcers.

The treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca depends upon the severity of the case. Medications include artificial tear drops and ointment, antibiotics (if infections or ulceration are present), steroids and immune-modulating drugs. Rare cases that do not respond to other treatments may require surgery.

It is not known how to prevent most cases except those caused by medication.

No, you cannot contract keratoconjunctivitis sicca from your dog.