"Dry Eye" has been in the news recently following the voluntary recall of fresh meals from pet food company, Years, after reports of dogs developing serious eye problems. Years has said its investigation is currently focused on possible contamination within part of its buckwheat supply, although a definitive cause has not yet been established.
For dog owners, it is a useful reminder that eye problems can develop quickly and that recognising the early signs can make a significant difference.
What is dry eye?
The veterinary name for dry eye is keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or KCS.
Tears do much more than make the eyes wet. They lubricate and nourish the surface of the eye, help wash away debris and provide protection against infection. When a dog does not produce enough tears, or the tears are not of the right quality, the surface of the eye can become inflamed, uncomfortable and damaged.
There are two main types.
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Quantitative dry eye is the most common form in dogs. This occurs when the tear glands do not produce enough of the watery component of the tear film.
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Qualitative dry eye occurs when a dog may produce tears, but the composition or stability of the tear film is abnormal, meaning it does not adequately protect the eye.
What causes dry eye?
The most common cause of KCS in dogs is immune mediated disease, where the immune system attacks the glands responsible for producing tears.
Other recognised causes include certain medications, infections such as canine distemper, hormonal conditions including hypothyroidism, congenital abnormalities, damage to the nerves controlling tear production and previous removal of the gland of the third eyelid. Some breeds also have a greater predisposition to developing the condition.
More recently, owners may have seen reports relating to the Years pet food recall. Years voluntarily recalled its fresh meals after receiving reports of eye problems, including cases of KCS. The company has said its investigation is focused on possible contamination within a portion of its buckwheat supply rather than buckwheat itself. Importantly, a definitive cause has not yet been established and investigations are ongoing.
At Omni, we do not use buckwheat in our recipes.
The situation also highlights why ingredient selection and food production processes matter. Ingredients should be appropriately processed and cooked where required, and the nutritional adequacy of a finished food should be assessed on the product that dogs actually eat. At Omni, we place particular importance on appropriate cooking and processing of our ingredients and post cooking nutritional analysis of our finished foods, rather than relying solely on theoretical formulation.
How can I spot dry eye in my dog?
Signs can initially look like relatively ordinary eye irritation. Look out for:
- Red or inflamed eyes
- Thick, sticky, yellow or green discharge
- Excessive blinking or squinting
- Holding an eye partly or completely closed
- Pawing or rubbing at the eyes
- Eyes that appear dull, cloudy or unusually dry
- Repeated episodes of conjunctivitis or eye infections
- Changes in the appearance or colour of the cornea
Dry eye can be painful. In more severe or untreated cases it can lead to corneal ulcers, scarring, pigmentation and potentially permanent loss of vision.
If your dog suddenly develops a painful, closed, cloudy or significantly red eye, they should be assessed by a vet promptly.
How does a vet diagnose dry eye?
Fortunately, diagnosing the most common form of dry eye is usually straightforward.
Your vet will normally perform a Schirmer Tear Test, often abbreviated to STT. A small strip of special paper is gently placed inside the lower eyelid and the amount of tears produced over one minute is measured.
The vet will also examine the surface of the eye and may use fluorescein dye to check for corneal ulcers or other damage. Depending on what they find, they may perform additional eye tests or recommend assessment by a veterinary ophthalmologist.
How is dry eye treated?
Treatment depends on the cause and severity.
Many dogs are prescribed medications such as cyclosporine or tacrolimus, which help reduce immune mediated inflammation and stimulate natural tear production. Lubricating artificial tears can also be used to keep the eye moist and comfortable.
If infection or corneal damage is present, additional medication may be needed.
Neurogenic dry eye can require a different approach, and severe cases that do not respond adequately to medication may occasionally require surgery.
For many dogs KCS is a long term condition requiring ongoing treatment, but with early diagnosis and appropriate management the outlook for maintaining comfortable, functional eyes can be very good.
Concerned about your dog's eyes?
If you currently feed Omni and are concerned about your dog's eyes, our veterinary team is here to support you. We can help you understand the signs to look for and whether your dog should be checked by your usual vet.
You can book a free consultation with an Omni vet here.
Following the recent concerns within the wider pet food industry, we also want owners to feel confident about what goes into their dog's bowl. Omni does not use buckwheat, our ingredients are appropriately processed and cooked, and we use post cooking nutritional analysis to help verify the nutritional composition of our finished foods.
If your dog develops redness, discharge, squinting, apparent eye pain or a sudden change in the appearance of their eyes, do not wait to see whether it settles. Speak to your vet and get their eyes checked.
