Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Tear production changes in dogs with atopic dermatitis
By Baker, Jenifer et al.·Published in The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne·2025·Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Canada·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Tear production as measured by Schirmer tear test-1 in dogs with atopic dermatitis.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 47 dogs with atopic dermatitis (a skin allergy) had their tear production measured using a test called the Schirmer tear test. The results showed that 21 of these dogs had abnormal tear production, with three dogs producing too little tears and 18 producing too many. This suggests that dogs with atopic dermatitis might also have issues with their tear production, which could lead to eye problems. Further research is needed to understand this connection better and to see if regular tear tests could help in managing the eye health of dogs with skin allergies.
People also search for: dog atopic dermatitis symptoms · dog eye problems tear production · Schirmer tear test for dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective was to measure tear production using Schirmer tear test-1 (STT-1) in dogs with atopic dermatitis, to evaluate for abnormal tear production. ANIMALS: We evaluated 47 client-owned dogs diagnosed with atopic dermatitis based on history, clinical signs, completion of an elimination diet trial, and fulfillment of at least 5 of Favrot's diagnostic criteria. PROCEDURE: Schirmer tear test-1 was conducted on each dog. Values < 15 mm/min were consistent with low tear production and suggestive of keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Values > 25 mm/min were consistent with epiphora due to excess lacrimation. RESULTS: Twenty-one of 47 atopic dogs had STT-1 values outside the normal range in at least 1 eye. Three had STT-1 values < 15 mm/min and 18 had STT-1 values > 25 mm/min in at least 1 eye. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings suggest atopic dermatitis may be associated with altered tear production. However, the absence of a complete ophthalmic assessment precludes definitive conclusions regarding keratoconjunctivitis sicca and epiphora. Future studies to validate these observations could help determine whether routine screening of atopic dogs using the STT-1 can aid in detecting ocular manifestations of canine atopic dermatitis to optimize animal care.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41030427/