This study investigated the prevalence of pigmentary keratitis (PK) in Pug-breed dogs and described the ocular surface characteristics associated with this disease. A total of 219 eyes from 110 dogs were examined, with 94.5% of them affected by PK. Age, previous ocular diseases, corneal vascularization, and corneal sensitivity were significantly associated with the presence of PF and the severity of corneal pigmentation. The study also found that low tear production and blinks incomplete with tear signs, as well as reduced corneal sensitivity, were linked to more severe forms of corneal pigmentation. The Tear Ferning Test (TFT) was identified as a valuable tool for evaluating tear quality in dogs, with worse test results indicating a higher risk of severe PK. A lower mean Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT) test was observed in dogs with PK. Additionally, the study observed a statistically significant difference in corneal thickness between the nasal and temporal zones, with the nasal zone being thicker. It was also suggested that sex and fertility status may influence the incidence of PK and the severity of corneal pigmentation. Overall, these findings provide insight into the underlying causes of PK in Pugs and can inform future treatment strategies for this breed.
Keywords: Pug-breed dogs; corneal thickness; corneal vascularization; ocular diseases; pigmentary keratitis; tear film.