Expert: Jana Connell RVT, CVT - 10/12/2011

Question
Hi I am Duncan

I got told by my vets that my year old German shepherd has pigmentary keratitis . After reading about it my vets only give me eye drops is that right to be given or not and what else could be given

Thankyou

Answer
Pigmentary Keratitis can be described here:

"Your pet has been diagnosed with Pigmentary Keratitis, a disease of the clear surface layer of the eye (the cornea). In patients with this disease, pigment builds up on the cornea and obstructs vision in the same way mud on your glasses would make it difficult for you to see. Patients with Pigmentary Keratitis often have decreased vision and “dark” looking eyes.

Pigmentary Keratitis tends to occur in certain breeds of dog such as the Pug, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese and Boston Terrier. Causes include chronic corneal inflammation, irritation from hair rubbing on the cornea, protruding eyes that are exposed to the environment, congenital predisposition and immune-mediated. Patients with Pigmentary Keratitis are often treated with topical steroids or other medications that suppress the immune system. Over time, use of medications can reduce the corneal pigmentation so the patient can see again. Remember, it took a long time for the pigment to build up on the eye, so it can take several months of treatment before the pigment is decreased enough for you to notice changes in vision and the appearance of your pet’s eyes.

Most patients with Pigmentary Keratitis need to be treated for the remainder of their lives. However, once the condition is under control, we can often reduce the frequency of the medications. Periodic ophthalmic recheck examinations will be necessary to follow your pet’s progress."

http://www.americananimaleye.com/clients/3749/documents/CE_Pigmentary_Keratitis_

This condition is treatable with drops, depending on the drops of course. The problem starts when the cause is not addressed. So hopefully your vet looked at your dogs eyes closely and determined the cause and is treating that as well. The above text names some common causes of this condition.

It is very common in Pugs and Lhasa Apso, mostly because of their bug eyes. This causes the eyes not to close all the way and the surface starts to cover itself with pigment to protect itself.

This is another good site about this disease:
http://pugman.com/Pug%20Information/Pigmentary%20keratitits.htm

It is addressing Pugs but any dogs is affected.

I hope this helps. Please let me know if it doesn't and you can ask me another question.