Pannus, also known as chronic superficial keratitis, is an inherited disorder in which there is a constant inflammation of the clear outer layer of the eye known as the cornea.
Pannus is usually found in both eyes of afflicted dogs. As pannus progresses, your dog’s vision will become impaired.

Symptoms include a discoloration of the eye which begins as a dull gray haze and progresses to complete loss of clarity and vision. Pannus will cause your dog discomfort/pain and you will likely notice your dog blinking/squinting.

Pannus is an inherited condition.

A physical examination and a study of your dog’s medical history to assess changes in eye color is required to diagnose pannus.

There is no cure for pannus. However, the inflammation can be controlled with immune-suppressing medication. Your dog will have to remain on the immune-suppressing medication for the remainder of his life.

Dogs with a family history of pannus should not be bred. Likewise, you should not acquire a dog with a family history of this condition.

The Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) compiles a database of dogs who are certified by veterinary opthamologists as free of inherited eye diseases. Before acquiring any dog, you should check the CERF database to make sure your dog’s parents are listed as free of inherited eye diseases.

No, you cannot get pannus from your dog.