Sjögren-Syndrom · Sjögren's-like syndrome · Canine Sjögren's syndrome · Autoimmune dacryoadenitis and sialadenitis
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.
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.
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.
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
More conditions affecting the General / metabolic.