Actually in dog's you wouldn't want to use visine but dry eye or KCS can happen with your pet dog.  KCS or keratoconjunctivitis sicca is a deficiency of tear production.  The result is dry and inflammed corneas or conjunctiva.  It is most common in dogs but can also affect our feline friends.  There are a number of reasons for dry eye.  The majority of cases we see in vet clinics are caused by immune mediated destruction of the tear glands but certain drugs, nerve damage to the lacrimal ducts, chronic conjunctivitis and breed disposition can also affect tear production. 

The clinical signs associated with KCS will depend on the extent and duration of the condition. Cats generally tend to be less symptomatic than dogs. The symptoms include:

•    Conjunctivitis – reddening and swelling of the conjunctiva
•    Squinting or blinking excessively
•    A thick yellow or mucoid discharge from the eye
•    Prominent third eyelid
•    Ulceration or cloudiness of the cornea
•    Secondary bacterial infections
•    Impaired vision

If your pet is showing any signs of ocular disease, make an appointment with a veterinarian. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent permanent damage to the eyes.

Your veterinarian will want to perform a thorough occular exam to diagnos this problem.  A simple test, called the Schirmer tear test, will be done.  It involves sticking small strips of absorbent paper on the inside of the eyelid. The strips absorb tears and indicate the level of tear production present in the eye. If there are inadequate levels of tears present in the eyes, then KCS is confirmed. Because KCS frequently causes corneal ulceration, your veterinarian should always evaluate the eyes for any signs of ulcers in addition to performing the Schirmer tear test. Ulcers can be diagnosed by instilling fluorescein dye into the eyes. The dye preferentially stains areas where ulcers occur.

Treatment looks at the reason for the lack of tear production.  For example if your pet is on a sulfa drug then your veterinarian will recommend stopping that medication.  Most cases of KCS are managed rather than cured.  Cleaning the eyes and keeping them free of any discharge is the first step on the list.  Then a tear replacement: lubricating ointments and/or artificial tears are applied several times a day to keep the cornea moist.  There is also an ointment called Optimmune that can actually stimulate tear production, particularily in those cases of immune mediated KCS.  Sometimes surgery is required to help solve the problem.  Surgical transportation of the parotid duct, which leads from the parotid salivary gland, is diverted to the lower conjunctival sac.  The saliva then acts as a substitute for tears. 

Patients that do not have their condition treated will have ongoing pain and discomfort. Repeated eye infections and irritation to the cornea can cause severe damage. Ulceration and scarring of the cornea can eventually lead to blindness. The long-term prognosis for vision is greatly improved if the disease is diagnosed in the early stages. Prompt treatment is crucial. Always consult your veterinarian if your pet is showing signs of discomfort or discharge from the eyes.