For Referring Veterinarians

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a common eye disease in dogs.  The prevalence of KCS in the dog ranges from 1 to 4%.  KCS in dogs can cause ocular discharge, pain, corneal scarring and ulceration. In fact, one of the most common causes of a corneal ulcer in the dog is KCS. Diagnosing a dog with KCS is based on low Schirmer tear testing (<15mm/min) as well as other ocular symptoms blepharospasm, mucoid to mucopurulent discharge,…

Take our IDEXX Diagnostic Challenge: History and Physical Exam: This case involves “Jensen”, a  5-month old, intact male Golden Retriever puppy.  Jensen was adopted 5 weeks earlier from a breeder and was not currently vaccinated for leptospirosis, but was up to date on his DA2PP and Rabies vaccines and on monthly heartworm preventative.  He presented after hours to the local emergency clinic for lethargy, anorexia and a few episodes of bilious vomiting earlier in the…

The oral flea and tick preventives, Bravecto, NexGard, and Simparica, have been evaluated for their efficacy against Demodex canis. When the normal flea and tick preventative dose is administered as directed an excellent response against Demodex canis mites has been reported in peer reviewed journals. Concurrent therapy with oral ivermectin is not contraindicated but should not be required. Most treated patients should resolve their demodicosis within a few months of therapy. A recently published Journal…