Definition:
Chronic superficial keratitis, also called as CSK, pannus and Uverreiter’s disease, is an inflammatory condition of the cornea that affects dog. It is common in German Shepherd dogs, but is also found in Greyhounds, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Belgian Tervurens and Siberian Huskies.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is made by performing eye exams, including a Schirmer test, Flourescein staining and examinations of eye structures and eyelids.
Treatment:
While Chronic superficial keratitis is a controllable condition, it is usually left untreated. Treatment options include topical corticosteroids, steroids and topical cyclosporine. For severe cases, radiation therapy may be necessary.
Symptoms and Signs:
The first symptom that appears is a pinkish white film at the outer edges of the cornea in both eyes, which can lead to tearing and redness. When left untreated, the corneas may pigment and turn brown. The adjacent cornea may also develop white fatty deposits. When the entire cornea appears opaque, vision may be damaged. Severe cases of Chronic superficial keratitis may lead to blindness.
Causes:
Chronic superficial keratitis is believed to be caused by an immune-mediated cornea inflammation, which is worsen by various external factors like environmental pollution and ultraviolet radiation. Dogs living in environments with extensive sunlight tend to have worst symptoms.
