Welcome to Web DVM: The Web's Best Source For Canine/Feline Advice And Health Information - KCS/Dry EyeFor the purposes of this article, I will refer to keratoconjunctivitis sicca as the abbreviate KCS or the common name of dry eye. Calling the disease dry eye is actually quite appropriate, as that is exactly what occurs when dogs and cats are affected by this disease. The cornea (clear coating of the eye) and conjuntiva (mucus By far, the most common cause for canine KCS is immune mediated destruction of the tear producing glands. The reason this happens is not fully understood, but certain breeds seem to be predisposed, including: Pugs, Cocker Spaniels, Yorkshire Terriers, West Island White Terriers, Miniature Schauzers, and Boxers. While these appear to be the most common breeds affected, however, any breed of dog or cat can be affected. Immune mediated KCS is quite rare in cats.
