Which of the following features is listed as a sign supporting diagnosis of EDED and MGD in dogs?

• A. Inspissation or doming of the meibomian gland orifices
• B. Hyperemia
• C. Marginal blepharitis
• D. Excessive serous ocular discharge (epiphora)

Answer: (C)

Inflammation at the eyelid margins is a hallmark feature of lid margin disease linked to meibomian gland dysfunction and evaporative dry eye. When the meibomian glands aren’t secreting healthy lipid-richriol, the tear film evaporates more quickly and the lid margin becomes inflamed, producing a condition known as marginal blepharitis. This sign directly reflects the underlying pathology of MGD affecting the eyelid margin, which is why it’s listed as a sign supporting the diagnosis of both EDED and MGD in dogs.

Other signs can occur but are less specific. Inspissation or doming of the meibomian gland orifices points to ductal obstruction from MGD, which is related but not the lid-margin inflammation itself. Hyperemia is a common, nonspecific redness that can accompany many ocular conditions. Excessive serous ocular discharge (epiphora) can arise from numerous problems and doesn’t specifically indicate EDED with MGD.