assignment

 

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-Aural cytology: yielded evidence of a marked yeast and bacterial infection present in both ears

-4DX: Negative for heartworm disease, ehrlichia, lyme disease, and anaplasmosis

-Fecal: Positive for hookworms

-Giardia: Negative

-CBC: No abnormalities detected

-Chemistry: Hyperglobulinemia present

-Schirmer tear test: Left eye- 0mm/min (low), right eye- 0mm/min (low)

-Fluorescein stain: Left eye- Small corneal ulceration present, right eye- no ulceration present

On 10/16/ this dog was diagnosed with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) (dry eye), a small corneal ulceration in the left eye, a bilateral ear infection, as well as a yeast dermatitis (skin infection) and found to be infested with hookworms. This dog was started on treatments for these diagnosed conditions. Additionally, this dog was diagnosed with moderate dental disease.

This dog had an ophthalmic examination on 10/21/ at Blue Pearl by Dr. , a boarded veterinary ophthalmologist. Dr. confirmed the diagnosis of KCS or dry eye stating that it was severe in this dog. She also diagnosed the dog with superficial keratitis, stating that based on the degree of this keratitis that the KCS or dry eye had progressed or was left untreated for a period of at least several months. The dog was also diagnosed with lagopthalmos (inability to close eyelids). This dog was started on additional treatments for these diagnosed conditions.

Conclusions:

following significant medical conditions have been identified:

1. Severe and chronic KCS or dry eye with secondary superficial keratitis Dry eye or KCS (Keratoconjunctivitis sicca) is an autoimmune disorder that reduces the body’s ability to produce the liquid portion of tears, causing a lack of lubrication of the cornea with subsequent dryness, irritation, and at times ulceration that can lead to perforation of the globe. This is a painful condition that is easily diagnosed and usually requires lifelong medication to improve tear production and protect the eye from further damage. Additionally, the advanced changes in this dogs eyes should have been readily apparent to its caregivers prompting veterinary assessment and treatment (see photo below). This dog was at risk of blindness and potentially losing both eyes if its condition progressed further and remained untreated.