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Dog pannus: Are eye drops & sunglasses good? When will eyes improve?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | 6 years and 2 months old

Good day, I own a German shepherd dog and she has a disease called "pannus". Her eyes are in a bad shape. We started a treatment with corticosteroid eye drops four days ago and we bought her uv protective sunglasses. I would like to ask if it is a good choice of treatment and when will be the first positive changes. Thank you.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 15th, 2018

These are good treatments for pannus and it definitely looks like Sora is afflicted with this condition. Unfortunately, pannus is quite difficult to treat and the eyedrops and sunglasses will help to keep it from getting worse, but may not help it get much better. I have seen a few dogs that responded very well to treatment though and had significant improvement. I would not expect it to ever be completely normal again unless surgery was done to remove the black part. Below is a link to an article that has some more helpful information about this condition.

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/pannus-in-dogs

I hope that helps and all is well with Sora.

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 8th, 2017
I'm sorry your dog has been diagnosed with pannus! The majority of pannus cases respond well to the topical medications. If more aggressive treatment is needed, your dog may be referred to a veterinary ophthalmologist. Should her case turn out to be severe, she may need surgery to remove the scar tissues associated pannus to improve her vision.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 8th, 2017
The majority of pannus cases respond well to the topical medications. If more aggressive treatment is needed, your dog may be referred to a veterinary ophthalmologist. Should her case turn out to be severe, she may need surgery to remove the scar tissues associated pannus to improve her vision.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jacqueline Nobles, DVM, DACVECC
Veterinarian, Board-Certified Emergency/Critical Care Specialist
Published on March 26th, 2017
Hi,
Immunosuppressive therapy with topical prednisone and cyclosporine are the mainstays of therapy. Ultraviolet radiation and high altitude increase the severity of the disease; therefore, dogs living at high altitudes and very sunny areas are often more severely affected with the disease that is more difficult to control. Doggie goggles may help prevent worsening of disease.
Corneal pannus is also responsive to radiation therapy with Sr-90 (Strontium-90). Discuss this option with your veterinarian.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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