Immunopathogenesis of Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca in the Dog

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), more commonly known as dry eye, is an inflammatory condition of the ocular surface caused by a pathologic reduction in the aqueous component of the tear film. It is seen commonly in the dog and defined as a Schirmer tear test with a reading of less than 10 mm in one minute. While KCS may be caused by neurological disease or drug toxicity, most cases are immune-mediated. Whereas the immunological basis of autoimmune KCS has been extensively investigated in humans and experimental rodent models, little research has been undertaken in the dog. It is hoped that this review spurs further research into the etiopathogenic factors in canine KCS.