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The exact aetiology of chronic superficial keratitis (CSK) still remains unknown. In this study, 8 corneal and 13 conjunctival biopsies of affected eyes were examined by means of a PCR for herpes DNA. This was done since canine herpesvirus CHV-1 might play a role in the immune-mediated pathogenesis of this disease. A single conjunctival biopsy taken 7 days after radiation therapy with Strontium 90 was positive for CHV-1. In human opthalmology, a reactivation of herpes infection after laser therapy is well described. This may also be the reason for the positive PCR obtained in teh study.