Are you a dog owner concerned about pannus in your pet? Pannus in dogs or chronic superficial keratitis (CSK) is an eye condition that can cause permanent damage if not treated properly. It affects the cornea and conjunctiva of the eyes, resulting in cloudy vision, pain, and even partial blindness. Fortunately, pannus can be managed successfully with medication. In this article, we’ll take a look at what pannus is, its symptoms, and potential treatments so that you can make sure your pup gets the care they need.
What is pannus in dogs?
Pannus, also known as chronic superficial keratitis (CSK), is a condition that affects the eyes of dogs. It causes parts of the eyes to become cloudy, hazy, or pigmented over time, and often affects both eyes. In most cases, it is accompanied by changes in the third eyelid as well.
Pannus most often affects German Shepherd dogs but can also affect other breeds, including Rhodesian ridgeback, Siberian husky, Border Collie, and Greyhounds. It is usually seen in middle-aged to older dogs, around 5-8 years of age.
What causes pannus in dogs?
The exact cause of pannus in dogs is unknown, but it is believed to be an immune-mediated condition related to an abnormal immune response. UV light radiation has been found to have a significant effect on the progression of pannus in dogs.
What are the symptoms of pannus in dogs?
While not usually painful, pannus in dogs is characterized by visible corneal and third eyelid lesions, as well as a potential for ocular discharge and redness of the eyes. Unless pannus affects both eyes severely, it does not have an effect on vision; however, if left untreated there can be severe opacification of the cornea along with destruction to the third eyelid.
Corneal lesions usually appear red, brown, or gray but most typically as a raised red mass. These typically appear near the lower inner part of the eye (ventral-nasal), the lower outer part of the eye (ventral-temporal), or at the side of the eye (temporal limbus). If untreated, these lesions can spread and cause pigmentation, eventually obscuring the entire cornea.
How is pannus diagnosed in dogs?
A pannus diagnosis can be made through a simple eye examination by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will look for the presence of corneal lesions, as well as changes in third eyelid pigmentation or structure. In commonly affected breeds such as the German Shepherd or Greyhound, the presence of small to large areas of red, brown, or gray discoloration in the cornea is highly suggestive of pannus or chronic superficial keratitis.
Unlike other causes of corneal pigmentation and vascularization, pannus is not painful - a key difference that makes it easily distinguishable from other ocular conditions.
To be thorough and to rule out other conditions, your veterinarian should perform additional tests such as the fluorescein eye stain test to check for corneal ulceration, an intraocular pressure test to check for glaucoma, and a Schirmer tear test to measure tear production.
What are the treatment options for pannus in dogs?
Topical therapy is the foremost treatment available for pannus, with cyclosporine, dexamethasone, prednisolone, tacrolimus, and pimecrolimus proving highly effective in treating corneal and third eyelid lesions.
For mild lesions, topical steroids are commonly effective. For more intense cases, a combination of topical steroids (e.g. prednisolone acetate, dexamethasone) and immune-modulating agents (e.g. tacrolimus, cyclosporine) is typically recommended. While topical steroids pose potential risks when used over an extended period of time, immune-modulating drugs present an ideal choice for long-term maintenance therapy.
Once the cornea is free from any vascularized structures and all lesions of the third eyelid have been resolved, pannus is considered to be under control. Unfortunately, pannus in dogs is chronic - meaning long-term, lifetime therapy may be necessary for successful management.
Supportive therapy
To combat the progression of pannus, it's suggested to minimize exposure to UV light. Keeping your pup indoors during the day can help immensely; you could also consider providing them with a sheltered place outside and/or utilizing protective eyewear (e.g. Doggles®) when they're outdoors. All these measures will ensure that their condition does not worsen due to direct sunlight!
What is the prognosis for dogs with pannus?
For middle-aged and older dogs, especially those residing in regions with lower exposure to UV radiation, topical treatment is very effective in controlling the condition over the long term. However, managing patients living in areas with higher intensity of UV light may prove more difficult - such as in elevated regions or other southern regions.
Is pannus in dogs painful?
No, pannus is not a painful condition. However, if it goes untreated and the cornea becomes heavily scarred and pacified, this can cause irritation and discomfort to the affected eye or eyes.
Can pannus in dogs be cured?
Unfortunately, pannus in dogs is not a curable condition. However, with prompt and proper treatment, pannus can be controlled and managed effectively over the long term. It is essential to seek professional advice from your veterinarian at the initial indications of pannus in order to ensure an optimum treatment plan for your pup!
Pannus in dogs is a chronic condition that can be managed with the right treatment plan. The clinical signs of pannus in dogs are typically non-painful and is most evident by having a raised red area on the cornea of the eye at the limbus, which is the junction between the cornea and the white sclera. The most effective approach to pannus management involves combining topical steroids and immune-modulating agents while minimizing exposure to UV light as much as possible. While pannus may not be curable, it doesn't have to cause pain if treated promptly and properly. If you suspect your pup has pannus, contact your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan!