Dry-eye syndrome in Shih Tzu dog: Ocular surface clinical and morphological aspects in the different stages of keratoconjunctivitis sicca

ABSTRACT: This study analyzed clinical and cyto-histomorphological parameters of the ocular surface Shih Tzu dogs, non-carriers carriers quantitative keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) at different stages. Thirty-five eyes from 23 male female dogs between two eight years were evaluated in four groups: control group (CG - without KCS), mild KCS (KCS1), moderate (KCS2), severe (KCS3). Most variables among carrier groups worsened more advanced stages disease, with a negative correlation Schirmer tear test (STT-1) film break-up time (TBUT). Squamous metaplasia, lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory infiltrate, decrease conjunctival goblet cells on histopathological examination comprised disease severity parameters. Quantitative non-carried have qualitative distribution changes. The cytomorphological exam is limited to evaluating infiltrate quantifying cells. However, intermediate epithelial higher healthy compared dogs. Also, dysfunction film. common chronic may be responsible for loss vision these animals. Early identification routine evaluation can improve dogs’ quality life health.