02/22/2023
Pannus
Perhaps the one eye malady most German Shepherd owners are wary of is pannus, also called Chronic Superficial Keratitis.
Pannus is thought to be an autoimmune-related ailment.
It manifests itself when blood vessels and scar tissue invade the dog’s eye.
Most vets believe that something makes the German Shepherd’s immune system think there’s an invader in the dog’s eyes and then attacks the cornea as if it were foreign or transplanted tissue.
As it’s primarily found in dogs living at higher elevations, common practice holds that there’s a direct correlation.
Not surprisingly, the first cases were diagnosed in Colorado.
Pannus also has a genetic element and is also thought to have additional roots in high exposure to ultraviolet light.
Pannus can affect nearly any dog breed, but German Shepherds and Border Collies seem to be the most afflicted breeds.
Common Symptoms
A slightly raised pink mass will form on the dog’s cornea, and while both eyes are usually affected at the same time, one eye can look worse than the other.
As it progresses, pannus will eventually turn the pink mass black as it spreads over the cornea, and this pigmentation will obscure the dog’s vision.
The dog’s third eyelid — the nictitating membrane beneath the outer lids — usually exhibits some swelling as well and often develops lesions of its own.
Any of these symptoms should be cause for alarm.
Obvious vision impairment isn’t a symptom, so owners noticing the telltale pink mass shouldn’t discount it just because the animal seems to be seeing fine.
Diagnosis and Treatment
In general, a veterinarian will diagnose pannus by looking at the dog’s symptoms and reviewing medical history.
While there are tests to be run — ocular pressure, corneal staining, and the like — these, if used, are for ruling out other issues.
Once diagnosed, treatment will be ongoing. Because pannus is immune-related, it’s incurable.
However, with treatment, it can be managed well.
Vets may prescribe immunosuppressant drugs, steroids injected into the eye or lids, and even surgery to remove the darkening scar tissue in severe cases.
Because of the ultraviolet light aspect, your dog may be prescribed sunglasses like the NVTED Dog Sunglasses. If left untreated, pannus will almost certainly blind your dog.
