Clinical assessment of chronic superficial keratitis (Überreiter’s syndrome) in dogs: A retrospective study (2012-2019)

Abstract

Chronic superficial keratitis (CSK), also called pannus or Überreiter’s syndrome is a chronic progressive corneal disease in dogs. This autoimmune disease of unknown etiology and pathogenesis is characterized by infiltration of immune cells to corneal epithelium and stromal layers. The aim of this study was to evaluate occurrence and appearance of clinical symptoms of Überreiter’s syndrome and reveal treatment results in dogs. Fifty-five dogs were assessed in the study. Vascularization and pigmentation in the temporal, nasal, superior and/or inferior quadrant of the cornea were observed in clinical examination of dogs with different grades of ocular discharge, vision loss and conjunctival hyperemia. CSK was most commonly seen in German shepherd breed (n=42). Cyclosporin, corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid and broad-spectrum antibiotic eye drops were administered as medical treatment. As a result, it was observed that the progress of pigmentation was largely slowed and regressed in some cases when two basic immunosuppressive drugs used for CSK were administered regularly in the eyes. Still, many of them that have been followed are not blind, and these animals continue to maintain their lives comfortably.