Pigmentary Vascular Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea that has many causes, but specifically in dogs because they have cells containing melanin (pigment) at the juncture of the cornea and sclera (limbus). Inflammation causes a migration of the pigmented cells onto and across the cornea. Pigment is often associated with blood vessels also occurring and is thus termed a pigmentary vascular keratitis. This type of inflammatory process with pigment and vessels is not uncommon and can lead to loss of vision due to build up of this black material on the cornea. Early diagnosis with proper therapy (usually medical and not surgical) is important in maintaining and/or regaining your pet’s vision. The more aggressive form of the process is an immune mediated keratitis in which pigment, blood vessels and granulation tissue invade the cornea. It is frequently seen in German shepherds, but also seen in several other breeds. A more benign and slow process with more pigment and fewer vessels are seen in brachycephalic dogs, such as Pekingese and Pug breeds. This commonly leads to decreased or total loss of vision if not treated medically.