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A 6-year old West Highland White Terrier comes in to see you for the mucopurulent ocular discharge as seen in the photo below. A Schirmer tear test shows no tear production. What is the treatment of choice for chronic canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca?

Topical cyclosporine and systemic corticosteroids
Topical cyclosporine and a topical steroid
Systemic antibiotics and corticosteroids
Systemic cyclosporine and antibiotics

User Dinkelk
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The preferred treatment for chronic canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca with no tear production is topical cyclosporine and possibly a topical steroid.

Step-by-step explanation:

The treatment of choice for chronic canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca, given a Schirmer tear test reveals no tear production, is the application of topical cyclosporine and possibly a topical steroid. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, also known as dry eye syndrome, is a condition characterized by dryness of the cornea and conjunctiva due to inadequate tear production. Topical cyclosporine works by stimulating tear production and reducing inflammation, and the use of a topical steroid may help manage inflammation. This combination aims to increase tear production and alleviate the symptoms associated with the condition. Systemic treatments like corticosteroids and antibiotics are not typically the first line of treatment for this condition and are generally reserved for specific situations where an underlying systemic condition or secondary infection is present, which is not indicated in this scenario.

User Luviktor
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