Clinical Characterization of Corneal Endotheliitis With Distinctive Features in Shiba Inu Dogs.

Corneal endotheliitis in Shiba Inu responds well to topical steroids but requires careful tapering protocols.

This retrospective study characterizes corneal endotheliitis in 16 Shiba Inu dogs (30 eyes), distinguishing it from typical "blue eye" and primary corneal endothelial degeneration. Affected dogs had a mean age of 5.9 ± 3.7 years, significantly younger than dogs with primary endothelial degeneration. Clinical findings included conjunctival hyperemia, geographic corneal endothelial opacities, and localized corneal edema. Specular microscopy showed reduced endothelial cell density intermediate between normal eyes and those with primary degeneration. Optical coherence tomography revealed hyper-reflective endothelial surface areas. Topical corticosteroid therapy rapidly resolved inflammatory signs and corneal edema in all cases, though recurrence occurred during treatment tapering in some eyes. Endothelial opacities persisted after inflammation resolution, with gradual endothelial cell loss during long-term follow-up. The younger age of onset, characteristic geographic opacity pattern, favorable steroid response, and milder endothelial damage suggest this condition represents a distinct disease entity from primary corneal endothelial degeneration in this breed.

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