Home » Diseases » In dogs » Non-ulcerative keratitis (corneal inflammation of the eye)

Non-ulcerative keratitis (corneal inflammation of the eye) in Dogs

Occurrence: common
Location of disease: Head/Neck

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 17.02.2026

When to visit the vet?

Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days

If the condition worsens / symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.

Definition

Non-ulcerative keratitis, also known as corneal inflammation, is an inflammatory condition of the cornea 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 immune responses, physical irritation, 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 predisposed. Symptoms include watery or mucous eye discharge, red eyes, corneal cloudiness, and sensitivity to light. 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 through 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 condition 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 avoiding 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 studied 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 inflammation of these corneal layers, while 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. remains intact. The inflammation can be triggered by various factors, including immune responses, physical irritation, and 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..

One of the most common causes of non-ulcerative keratitis is keratitis sicca, or “dry eye,” a condition in which the tear glands do not produce enough tear fluid to adequately lubricate 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 key 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 cloudiness of the cornea, often appearing 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 the eye with its paw, which increases the risk of an 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, increased tearing or mucus discharge may occur 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

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 using an ophthalmoscope to examine the cornea for signs of inflammation, cloudiness, or other abnormalities.

A Schirmer tear test may be performed to measure tear production and rule out or confirm keratitis sicca. In this test, a special paper strip is placed under 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 corneal injuries or ulcers. Because this is a non-ulcerative form of keratitis, no green staining should be visible on the cornea.

In some cases, 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 a 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 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

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

In dogs with keratitis 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 when an immunological cause is suspected, systemic medications such as corticosteroids 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 essential to assess treatment progress 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 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. 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 can lead to permanent Visual disturbances. It is important to follow the veterinarian’s treatment plan closely and attend 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

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 conditions can help reduce the risk of developing keratitis.

Good eye hygiene, including regular cleaning of the eyes and avoiding irritants, can also help minimize the risk of Inflammatory conditions. In dogs with known allergies or eye conditions, 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 mainly in certain dog breeds such as the German Shepherd. In recent years, research has made significant progress in identifying the genetic and immunological factors that contribute to this condition. One key discovery 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 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.. Researchers are increasingly investigating 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 aimed at modulating 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 conventional 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 underway to develop more targeted therapies with fewer side effects. These include novel drugs that block specific inflammatory pathways, as well as trials of gene therapies aimed at correcting faulty genetic information.

In addition, ongoing studies are 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 усилify 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 applying 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 line of research focuses on improving 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 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 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 aims to better understand the genetic, immunological, and environmental factors behind this complex condition. These insights could not only lead to better treatment strategies, but also contribute to 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 chronic 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, cloudiness of the cornea, increased blinking or squinting, and possibly eye discharge. In advanced cases, pigmentation of the cornea may also occur. -

Which breeds are most commonly affected?

German Shepherds are particularly commonly affected, but other breeds such as Greyhounds and Border Collies may also be predisposed. Genetic predisposition is believed to play a major role in susceptibility to this condition. -

How is the disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis is usually made through 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 specialized imaging techniques may be required. -

What treatment options are there?

Treatment usually involves applying topical corticosteroids or immunosuppressants to reduce the inflammation. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required. Treatment aims to control symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. -

Can non-ulcerative keratitis be cured?

A complete cure is rare because it is a chronic condition. The therapy aims to alleviate symptoms and prevent the progression of the disease. With the right treatment, however, most dogs can live a normal life. -

Are there preventive measures?

Because UV radiation can play a role in worsening symptoms, it is recommended to protect affected dogs from excessive sun exposure. 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 the disease is left untreated, it can lead to significant discomfort and vision loss. With the right treatment, however, the dog’s comfort can be improved and the progression of the disease slowed. -

Are regular veterinary visits necessary?

Yes, regular check-ups with the veterinarian are important to monitor the course of the disease and adjust treatment accordingly. This helps 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. Genetic research and the development of new medications, in particular, offer hope for improved therapies for affected dogs.