There is the option to monitor the eyes for complications which might occur, such as inflammation, glaucoma, or lens luxation. Dogs are very good at adjusting to gradual vision loss as long as their environment is not changed. Cataract surgery is elective and requires a significant commitment of time on the owner's part as eyedrops must be administered both before and for about six weeks after surgery in addition to multiple check-ups during the healing period. Cost is considerable as this surgery is performed only by specialists. Keratoconjunctivitis siccs , or Dry Eye Syndrome, or simply KCS, is a condition resulting from a lack of tear production.
Tears normally function to keep the surface of the eye moist and healthy.
Conversely, a lack of tears causes the eye to become irritated and scarred. The clinical signs of KCS include heavy mucus production, redness, rubbing at the eyes, cloudy eyes, corneal ulcers, and even general lethargy. The cause of dry eye is usually unknown but congenital disorders in puppies, infections such as canine distemper virus, and sulfa antibiotics are all know causes. KCS is seen very commonly in Cocker Spaniels, Shih Tsu, Lhasa Apsos, Bulldogs, Schnauzers and Westies. In this study, the range of development was foud to seven years and there was a familial tendency.