Sjogren syndrome
Also known as: Sjögren-Syndrom · Sjögren's-like syndrome · Canine Sjögren's syndrome · Autoimmune dacryoadenitis and sialadenitis
Overview
What it is
Sjögren's syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder where the dog's immune system mistakenly attacks its own moisture-producing glands, specifically the tear and salivary glands. This targeted attack causes chronic inflammation and destruction of the glandular tissue, leading to a severe lack of tears and saliva. Veterinarians often use a diagnostic tool called the Schirmer Tear Test (STT) to measure this tear deficiency and confirm the diagnosis.
How it presents
Symptoms typically appear in middle-aged dogs and manifest as chronically dry, red, or inflamed eyes, frequent squinting, and a dry mouth that can cause difficulty swallowing. Over time, the lack of protective tears can also lead to painful corneal ulcers.
Treatment
While the condition is lifelong and cannot be cured, it is manageable with daily immunomodulatory eye ointments and artificial tears to protect the eyes. This lifelong management typically costs between 3,000 and 9,000 EUR over the dog's lifetime.
How it's tested
Schirmer-Tränentest(STT)
Primary testEye examDer Schirmer-Tränentest (STT) misst die Tränenproduktion zur Diagnose der trockenen Augen (Keratoconjunctivitis sicca), während eine Biopsie der Speicheldrüsen die autoimmune Entzündung sichert.
Issuing body: vet
Result scheme: Eye-ECVO
Affected breeds
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Sjogren syndrome?
Sjögren's syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder where the dog's immune system mistakenly attacks its own moisture-producing glands, specifically the tear and salivary glands. This targeted attack causes chronic inflammation and destruction of the glandular tissue, leading to a severe lack of tears and saliva. Veterinarians often use a diagnostic tool called the Schirmer Tear Test (STT) to measure this tear deficiency and confirm the diagnosis.
How is Sjogren syndrome tested?
Tests currently in our database: Schirmer-Tränentest.
Which breeds are most affected?
This condition isn't tied to a specific breed in our database.