Autoimmune Punctate Keratitis in Dogs
Canine punctate keratitis presents as small, superficial, punctate corneal opacities that may or may not ulcerate. The disease is bilateral and lesions are usually symmetric. As the disease progresses, crystalline deposits accumulate on the cornea, diffuse corneal edema develops, marked corneal pigmentation occurs, and vision may be lost. The disease is autoimmune in nature; the immune system attacks corneal tissue, producing this inflammatory response. Shetland Sheepdogs and Dachshunds are most commonly affected.
Treatment
Treatment consists of topical glucocorticoids and/or cyclosporine or tacrolimus. When ulceration is present, antibiotics are also used. The prognosis is good, but because recurrence is common, long-term administration of low-dose immunosuppressive medications is recommended for prevention.
Autoimmune punctate keratitis in a Dachshund. Numerous small punctate ulcers are visible on the corneal surface.
Autoimmune punctate keratitis in a Dachshund. The cornea contains many small scars resulting from previous ulceration.
Autoimmune punctate keratitis in a Dachshund.
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Adapted from the Atlas of Ocular Diseases in Dogs and Cats by Dr. Siniša D. Grozdanić and colleagues. © Animal Eye Consultants of Iowa. The text and clinical images on this page are original content from the authors' own clinical practice and research, and may not be reproduced, distributed, or repurposed without permission.
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