Chronic Immunemediated Superficial Keratoconjunctivitis

Chronic Immunemediated Superficial Keratoconjunctivitis is also known as Pannus or Chronic Superficial Keratitis. It is an immune-mediated condition, though the aetilogy is not understood.

Signalment

Most common in German Shepherds and Greyhounds, though any breed may be affected. More common in dogs exposed to high levels of ultraviolet radiation, such as dogs living at high altitudes. Any age may be affected.

Clinical Signs

Signs are bilateral. Intially vascularisation of the cornea occurs with infiltration of plasma cells and lymphocytes. This progresses to thick granulation tissue on the surface of the cornea. There may also be depigmentation and thickening of the nictating membrane.

Diagnosis

Corneoconjunctival scrapings show large amounts of lymphocytes and plasmacytes.

Treatment

Topical Steroids and cyclosporine are used to control clinical signs, and should be tapered to the lowest dose needed. Minimising exposure to ultraviolet light may be helpful also.

References

Maggs, D et al (2007) Slatter's Fundamentals Of Veterinary Ophthalmology (Fourth Edition) Saunders

Peiffer, Robert J, and Petersen-Jones, Simon M (2008) Small Animal Ophthalmology (Fourth Edition) Saunders