🐾 Pannus in Dogs: Complete Vet Guide to Chronic Superficial Keratitis Care in 2025 🐾

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc 🐶🩺

Vision is a vital sense for our furry companions, and when something threatens it, quick and informed action is essential. One such condition is pannus, also known as chronic superficial keratitis. Though it may sound intimidating, with the right veterinary care and home management, this condition is treatable and manageable over the long term. Let’s dive deep into understanding pannus in dogs—what causes it, how it presents, and how you can help your pup lead a happy, sighted life in 2025 and beyond. 🧴👁️

🌫️ What Is Pannus (Chronic Superficial Keratitis)?

Pannus is an immune-mediated condition that affects the cornea—the clear outer surface of a dog’s eye. It causes blood vessels, pigmentation, and scar tissue to invade the cornea, reducing transparency and leading to vision impairment. Over time, if left untreated, pannus can cause complete blindness.

This condition primarily impacts dogs in environments with:

• ☀️ High ultraviolet (UV) exposure
• 🏔️ High altitudes
• 🌫️ Air pollution or irritant-laden environments

While pannus is not contagious or painful, it is a chronic, lifelong disease that needs consistent management.

🔍 Which Breeds Are Most at Risk?

Certain breeds are genetically predisposed to pannus. These include:

• 🐕 German Shepherds (and mixes)
• 🐾 Greyhounds
• 🐾 Rottweilers
• 🐕‍🦺 Belgian Shepherds and Belgian Tervurens
• 🦴 Rhodesian Ridgebacks
• 🐺 Siberian Huskies
• ...and other breeds with a genetic or immune predisposition

Dogs are most commonly affected between the ages of 5 to 8 years. However, if it appears in younger dogs, the condition tends to be more aggressive and challenging to manage.

👁️ Recognizing the Signs of Pannus

Early detection is crucial. Symptoms often begin subtly but worsen over time:

• 👁️ A pinkish or grey film appears on the outer edge of the cornea
• 🌫️ The cornea becomes cloudy or opaque, reducing visibility
• 🌑 Dark pigmentation spreads across the eye
• 🧬 In some cases, the third eyelid thickens, a condition called plasmoma
• 🧿 The edge of the third eyelid becomes irregular or scalloped
• 👀 Both eyes are typically affected, though one may appear worse
• ⚠️ If left untreated, pannus progresses to blindness

Despite the eye’s alarming appearance, pannus and plasmoma are not painful, which can make it easy to overlook in early stages. Regular eye checks are essential!

🩺 Diagnosing Pannus

A veterinarian will diagnose pannus through a thorough ocular examination, which includes:

• 🔦 Visual inspection with a slit-lamp biomicroscope
• 💧 Staining tests to rule out corneal ulcers or dry eye
• 👩‍⚕️ Evaluation of the third eyelid

Referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist may be necessary for complex or resistant cases.

💊 Treatment: Managing Pannus for Life

While pannus can’t be cured, it can be controlled. The treatment goal is to reduce inflammation, prevent progression, and maintain quality of vision.

1. 💧 Topical Medications

Most treatment regimens begin with:

• 🔴 Corticosteroid eye drops or ointments (e.g., prednisolone)
• 🟣 Immunosuppressive medications like cyclosporine or tacrolimus
• 🧴 Pimecrolimus may be added in plasmoma cases

Application frequency varies with disease severity, usually ranging from 2–4 times daily during active flare-ups. These doses are tapered once remission is achieved.

2. 💉 Subconjunctival Injections

For dogs that do not respond to topical therapy, a vet may administer:

• 💉 Steroid injections under the conjunctiva

These injections offer localized relief for severe or advanced cases.

3. 📦 Cyclosporine Implants

Some advanced cases benefit from:

• ⚙️ Cyclosporine-releasing implants placed under the conjunctiva

These devices release medication continuously, helping control pannus in cases with poor medication adherence or extreme inflammation.

4. 🕶️ UV Protection

Since UV exposure exacerbates pannus, reducing sunlight exposure is critical:

• 🌞 Avoid mid-day walks or outdoor play
• 🏠 Keep your dog indoors during peak sun hours
• 🕶️ Use UV-blocking dog goggles (e.g., Rex Specs)

5. 📅 Ongoing Monitoring

Follow-up care is essential to keep pannus under control. Expect:

• 📆 Eye exams every 3–4 weeks initially
• 📅 Then every 1–2 months
• 🗓️ Eventually, 3–4 times per year once stable

🏡 At-Home Care & Lifestyle Tips

Successful long-term management of pannus includes:

• 💧 Administering eye drops as directed
• 🧼 Keeping the eyes clean and free of debris
• 🌞 Avoiding prolonged sun exposure
• 🕶️ Using UV goggles during outdoor time
• 🐾 Reducing environmental irritants (dust, smoke, pollen)
• 📅 Attending all follow-up appointments

💡 When to See a Veterinary Ophthalmologist

If your dog’s pannus doesn’t respond to initial therapy, worsens suddenly, or causes significant vision loss, it’s time to consult a veterinary eye specialist. They can:

• 🔬 Confirm the diagnosis
• 🔄 Adjust the medication plan
• 🧪 Explore implant or injection options

🌟 Prognosis: What to Expect Long-Term

Most dogs respond well to treatment, especially those who are:

• 🐶 Middle-aged or older
• 🏞️ Living at low altitudes
• 🧴 Treated consistently with medication

Dogs in high-altitude regions or with frequent sun exposure may require more aggressive or sustained treatment efforts. Lifelong care is essential—but with it, your dog can lead a full, happy, and largely sighted life. 🐾💖

📲 Need Support? Ask A Vet Anytime!

Worried about your dog’s eye health? 👁️ Whether you’re managing pannus or just want expert advice on your pet’s care routine, the Ask A Vet app has your back!

• 💬 Chat with real veterinarians 24/7
• 📷 Send photos or videos for review
• 📲 Download the app today and get the peace of mind every pet parent deserves!

Visit AskAVet.com today or download the Ask A Vet app 📱 to stay one step ahead of pannus and keep your dog’s eyes healthy and bright!