Ocular surface disease in dogs part 2: diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Dry eye disease (DED) is a commonly diagnosed disorder in small animals. It has been historically described as a quantitative or qualitative deficiency in tear production; however, the pathogenesis of the disease is much more complex than previously recognised. Ocular inflammation is the hallmark of DED, reflected in early nonspecific conjunctivitis and later in dramatic changes of the ocular surface. Prompt recognition of the disease, accurate diagnostics and appropriate treatment are paramount in preserving the ocular surface integrity and the patient's comfort. Part 1 discussed the aetiopathogenesis of the condition and described the clinical signs. This second article looks at diagnostics and treatment of ocular surface disorders in dogs.