CHRONIC SUPERFICIAL KERATITIS (PANNUS)


Chronic Superficial Keratitis describes a bilateral inflammatory condition, which predominantly affects the corneal tissues. Changes encompass vascular proliferation, inflammatory cell infiltration & secondary pigment deposition. Cellular infiltration comprises lymphocytes, plasma cells, neutrophils & melanocytes. This disease has been also referred to “pannus” and “Uberreiter’s syndrome”. CSK is considered to represent an immune-mediated process with an underlying hereditary basis. Exposure to UV sunlight likely exacerbates clinical symptoms. Commonly affected breeds include the German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois & Greyhound. squamous cell carcinoma. Inflammatory changes typically respond to topical anti-inflammatory therapy. CSK is easily controlled in most cases, however ongoing topical therapy is typically required in order to prevent a recurrence of symptoms. In unusually severe & chronic cases, surgical superficial keratectomy +/- the use of adjunctive B-radiation may be indicated.