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Non-ulcerative Keratitis (Inflammatory Conditions of the Cornea) in Dogs

Occurrence: common
Location of illness: Head/Neck

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 06.11.2025

Non-ulcerative keratitis, also known as inflammatory conditions of the cornea, is an inflammatory condition of the cornea of the eye in dogs that occurs without the formation of ulcers or open Wounds.

The most important facts at a glance

Non-ulcerative keratitis is an inflammatory eye disease in dogs in which the corneal layers are affected without damage to the epitheliumEpithelium is a type of tissue that lines the surfaces of the body, as well as internal cavities and ducts. Epithelial tissue serves as a protective barrier, is involved in secretion, and can have sensory functions.. The inflammation can be triggered by immunological reactions, physical stimuli, or genetic factors. A common cause is “dry eye”, in which the tear glands do not produce enough fluid. Certain dog breeds such as the German Shepherd, Dachshund, and Cocker Spaniel are particularly susceptible. Symptoms include watery or mucous eye discharge, Redness of the eyes, corneal opacity, and light sensitivity. DiagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is made by a thorough eye examination, including Schirmer tear tests and fluorescein stainingFluorescein staining is a diagnostic technique that uses fluorescein, a fluorescent dye, to make tissues, cells, or microbiological samples visible under a microscope, especially in ophthalmology to detect damage to the cornea.. The disease is treated with anti-inflammatory eye drops, tear replacement therapies, and, in severe cases, systemic medications. The prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. is often good with timely treatment, but chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. cases can lead to permanent Visual disturbances. Preventive measures include regular eye examinations, good eye hygiene, and avoidance of irritants. Researchers are investigating genetic and immunological factors as well as new therapeutic approaches to better understand and treat the disease. The role of environmental factors such as UV radiation is also being investigated to develop better preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. strategies.

Causes

The cornea is the clear, outer layer of the eye that focuses light and allows the dog to see clearly. It consists of several layers: the epitheliumEpithelium is a type of tissue that lines the surfaces of the body, as well as internal cavities and ducts. Epithelial tissue serves as a protective barrier, is involved in secretion, and can have sensory functions., Bowman’s membrane, the stroma, Descemet’s membrane, and the endothelium. The health of these layers is crucial for maintaining the clarity and functionality of the eye.

Non-ulcerative keratitis is characterized by the inflammation of these corneal layers, with the epitheliumEpithelium is a type of tissue that lines the surfaces of the body, as well as internal cavities and ducts. Epithelial tissue serves as a protective barrier, is involved in secretion, and can have sensory functions. remaining intact. The inflammation can be triggered by various factors, including immunological reactions, physical stimuli, and genetic predispositions.

One of the most common causes of non-ulcerative keratitis is keratoconjunctivitis sicca or “dry eye”, a condition in which the tear glands do not produce enough tear fluid to sufficiently moisten the eye. This leads to chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. irritation and inflammation of the cornea.

Genetic predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases. also plays a significant role, as certain dog breeds, such as the German Shepherd, Dachshund, and Cocker Spaniel, are more commonly affected. In these breeds, the disease can be triggered by hereditary factors or an abnormal immune responseAn immune response is the immune system's reaction to foreign substances (antigens), such as microorganisms or proteins. It involves a series of processes aimed at recognizing, fighting, and eliminating these antigens..

Symptoms

Very common symptoms:

Common symptoms:

The most common symptoms of non-ulcerative keratitis include Redness of the eyes and clouding of the cornea, which often appears as a milky or bluish haze. This can impair the dog’s vision.

Another notable symptom is frequent blinking or closing of the affected eye, as the inflammation is often associated with Pain or discomfort. The dog may also frequently rub its paw over the eye, which increases the risk of additional infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. or injury.

In some cases, there may also be increased tearing or mucus discharge as the eye tries to fight the inflammation. The conjunctiva, the tissue that covers the eye and the inside of the eyelids, may also appear red or swollen.

Diagnosis

The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of non-ulcerative keratitis usually begins with a thorough clinical examination of the eye by a veterinarian. This includes the use of an ophthalmoscope to examine the cornea for signs of inflammation, clouding, or other abnormalities.

A Schirmer tear test can be performed to measure tear production and rule out or confirm keratoconjunctivitis sicca. In this test, a special paper is placed over the lower eyelid to measure the amount of tears produced.

Another important diagnostic test is fluorescein stainingFluorescein staining is a diagnostic technique that uses fluorescein, a fluorescent dye, to make tissues, cells, or microbiological samples visible under a microscope, especially in ophthalmology to detect damage to the cornea., in which a dye is placed in the eye to rule out injuries or ulcers of the cornea. Since this is a non-ulcerative form of keratitis, no green staining should be visible on the cornea.

In some cases, a cytologycytology is the study of cells, their structure, function, and chemistry. In medicine, it often refers to examining cells under a microscope for diagnosis of diseases. or biopsyA biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small amount of tissue is removed from the body to be examined under a microscope for signs of disease. Biopsies can help diagnose cancer and other conditions. of the cornea may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of the inflammation. These procedures help to identify inflammatory cells or infectiousInfectious describes the ability of a pathogen to be transmitted from one individual to another and trigger an infection. It also refers to diseases caused by such pathogens. agents.

Therapy

The treatment of non-ulcerative keratitis aims to reduce inflammation and maintain the health of the cornea. In many cases, anti-inflammatory eye drops or ointments are prescribed to relieve Swelling and Pain.

For dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca, tear replacement therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. or the use of medications that stimulate tear production is often considered. Cyclosporine A or tacrolimus are commonly used medications in these cases.

In more severe cases, or if an immunological cause is suspected, systemic medications such as corticosteroidsCorticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that occur naturally in the body and can also be produced synthetically. They have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties and are used in veterinary medicine to treat a variety of conditions. may be used to control the inflammation. However, these should be used with caution as they can have side effects.

Regular monitoring of the eye is crucial to assess the progress of treatment and make adjustments as needed. In some cases, surgery may be necessary, especially if there are structural abnormalities of the eyelids or tear glands.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for dogs with non-ulcerative keratitis varies depending on the cause and severity of the condition. With early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and appropriate treatment, the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. is generally good, and many dogs can achieve a normal quality of life.

However, chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. cases or those that do not respond to treatment may lead to permanent Visual disturbances. It is important to follow the veterinarian’s treatment plan closely and have regular follow-up examinations to monitor the condition.

Dogs that are genetically predisposed may require lifelong management and care to prevent the progressionProgression refers to the advancement or worsening of a disease over time. It describes an increase in the severity or extent of the disease symptoms. of the disease and maintain eye function.

Prevention

The preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. of non-ulcerative keratitis requires regular eye examinations, especially in dog breeds that are prone to the disease. Early detection and treatment of eye diseases can help reduce the risk of developing keratitis.

Good eye hygiene, including regular cleaning of the eyes and avoidance of irritants, can also help minimize the risk of inflammation. In dogs with known allergies or eye diseases, regular use of eye drops or ointments may be recommended for preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring..

It is important for dog owners to watch for signs of eye problems, such as excessive blinking, Redness of the eyes, tearing, or clouding, and seek veterinary advice promptly if needed.

Outlook on current research

Non-ulcerative keratitis, also known as chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. superficial keratitis or pannus, is an inflammatory eye disease that occurs primarily in certain dog breeds such as the German Shepherd. Recently, research has made significant advances in identifying the genetic and immunological factors that contribute to this condition. One of the key discoveries is the role of the body’s immune responseAn immune response is the immune system's reaction to foreign substances (antigens), such as microorganisms or proteins. It involves a series of processes aimed at recognizing, fighting, and eliminating these antigens., which is influenced by environmental factors and genetic predispositions. Researchers are increasingly investigating the specific genetic markers that predispose dogs to this condition, which could influence future breeding programs.

Another exciting area of research is the development of new therapeutic approaches that aim to modulate the immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body.. While traditional treatments such as topicalTopical refers to the direct application of medications or treatments to the skin or mucous membranes for a local effect, without being absorbed into the body. corticosteroidsCorticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that occur naturally in the body and can also be produced synthetically. They have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties and are used in veterinary medicine to treat a variety of conditions. and immunosuppressants are widely used, efforts are being made to develop more targeted therapies that have fewer side effects. These include novel drugs that block specific inflammatory pathways, as well as the testing of gene therapies that aim to correct faulty genetic information.

In addition, there are ongoing studies examining the role of environmental factors such as UV radiation in the development and progressionProgression refers to the advancement or worsening of a disease over time. It describes an increase in the severity or extent of the disease symptoms. of non-ulcerative keratitis. It is suspected that UV light could enhance the immune responseAn immune response is the immune system's reaction to foreign substances (antigens), such as microorganisms or proteins. It involves a series of processes aimed at recognizing, fighting, and eliminating these antigens. in susceptible dogs, leading to a worsening of symptoms. Researchers are therefore investigating the effectiveness of UV protectionProtection refers to safeguarding against diseases or harm. In veterinary medicine, this can include protecting animals through vaccinations, the use of parasite control products, or providing a safe environment. measures, such as special dog goggles or the application of UV-blocking substances to the eyes, as a preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. strategy.

Another branch of research is concerned with improved diagnostics of the disease. Advances in imaging technology, such as confocal microscopy, allow veterinarians to create detailed images of the cornea to better assess the severity of the inflammation and monitor the course of treatment more accurately. These technologies could also help to shorten diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. times and improve treatment outcomes.

In summary, research into non-ulcerative keratitis in dogs is a dynamic field that strives to better understand the genetic, immunological, and environmental factors of this complex disease. These insights could not only lead to better treatment strategies but also contribute to the preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. and possibly even eradication of the disease in susceptible populations.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is non-ulcerative keratitis in dogs? Non-ulcerative keratitis is a chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. inflammation of the cornea of the eye that does not lead to the formation of ulcers. It often occurs in certain breeds and can be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
What symptoms does a dog with non-ulcerative keratitis show? Typical symptoms include Redness of the eyes, clouding of the cornea, increased blinking or squinting of the eyes, and possibly eye discharge. In advanced cases, there may also be pigmentation of the cornea.
Which breeds are most commonly affected? German Shepherds are particularly frequently affected, but other breeds such as Greyhounds and Border Collies can also be susceptible. It is believed that genetic predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases. plays a major role in susceptibility to this condition.
How is the disease diagnosed? DiagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is usually made by a thorough eye examination by a veterinarian. The cornea and surrounding structures are examined for signs of inflammation and pigmentation. In some cases, additional tests such as measuring intraocular pressure or special imaging techniques may be required.
What treatment options are there? Treatment usually involves the use of topicalTopical refers to the direct application of medications or treatments to the skin or mucous membranes for a local effect, without being absorbed into the body. corticosteroidsCorticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that occur naturally in the body and can also be produced synthetically. They have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties and are used in veterinary medicine to treat a variety of conditions. or immunosuppressants to reduce inflammation. In severe cases, surgical interventions may be necessary. The treatment aims to control the symptoms and slow the progressionProgression refers to the advancement or worsening of a disease over time. It describes an increase in the severity or extent of the disease symptoms. of the disease.
Can non-ulcerative keratitis be cured? A complete cure is rare as it is a chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. condition. The treatment aims to relieve the symptoms and prevent the progressionProgression refers to the advancement or worsening of a disease over time. It describes an increase in the severity or extent of the disease symptoms. of the disease. However, with the right treatment, most dogs can live a normal life.
Are there preventive measures? Since UV radiation can play a role in worsening symptoms, it is recommended to protect affected dogs from excessive sun exposureExposure refers to the Contact with or subjection to certain substances, environmental factors, or pathogens. In veterinary medicine, this can include Contact with toxins, allergens, or infectious agents that can cause health problems in dogs and cats.. This can be done by staying in the shade, wearing dog goggles, or using UV-blocking drops.
How does the disease affect the dog’s life? If left untreated, the disease can lead to significant discomfort and vision loss. However, with the right treatment, the dog’s comfort can be improved and the progressionProgression refers to the advancement or worsening of a disease over time. It describes an increase in the severity or extent of the disease symptoms. of the disease can be slowed down.
Are regular veterinary visits necessary? Yes, regular check-ups with the veterinarian are important to monitor the course of the disease and adjust the treatment accordingly. This helps to avoid complications and maintain the dog’s quality of life.
Is there hope for new treatment methods? Ongoing research is promising and could lead to new, more effective treatment methods in the future. In particular, genetic research and the development of new drugs offer hope for improved therapies for affected dogs.