BrAVO statement on reports of acute bilateral dry eye in dogs
Members of BrAVO are conducting an independent UK-wide investigation into an apparent increase in dogs presenting with acute bilateral keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), or dry eye.
More than 200 cases have now been reported through the BrAVO survey. These reports are currently being validated and analysed, and not all affected dogs have been fed the same diet.
A possible association with diet has been raised in some cases, including dogs fed Years and other pet foods. At present, however, no causal relationship has been established between KCS and any particular food, ingredient or manufacturer. BrAVO considers it important that conclusions are not drawn before the available clinical data have been properly assessed. The BrAVO investigation is entirely independent. Years has had no involvement in the collection, validation, analysis or interpretation of BrAVO data.
David Williams is providing Years with separate expert veterinary ophthalmology advice. He is not acting on behalf of BrAVO and is not involved in the KCS study or working group. The working group continues to ask veterinary surgeons to report all relevant cases of acute KCS, irrespective of the diet being fed. Collecting cases across a broad range of diets and circumstances is essential if we are to determine whether any genuine association exists and to investigate other possible contributing factors.
We are asking veterinary surgeons who have encountered dogs presenting with acute bilateral KCS to complete the case survey following this link.
We would also strongly advise owners not to stop prescribed treatment for dry eye unless advised to do so by their veterinary surgeon or veterinary ophthalmologist. In some affected dogs, a significant injury to the tear-producing glands is suspected. Even if diet is ultimately shown to be a contributing factor, changing diet alone may not restore tear production. Stopping treatment prematurely could increase the risk of permanent loss of tear gland function, resulting in irreversible and painful dry eye that may threaten sight and significantly affect quality of life.
The investigation remains ongoing and the study group will report its findings when the data have been sufficiently validated and analysed to allow meaningful conclusions to be drawn.