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Abstract
To compare the efficacy of 0.03% to-pical tacrolimus in combination with oral omega (ω) 3 with different ratios of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and antioxidants as adjuvant in the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in dogs. Forty-five dogs with KCS were evaluated monthly for 6 months. Evaluations included performance of the Schirmer tear, fluorescein, and lissamine green tests. Tear film break-up time (TBUT) was assessed. Conjunctival cytology was evaluated at the beginning, middle, and end of the study. Conjunctiva was biopsied at the beginning and end of the study. Dogs were randomly assigned to one of the three groups (n=15): Group T (topical tacrolimus 0.03%), Group TO (topical tacrolimus + ω-1.5 EPA: 1 DHA), or Group TOA (topical tacrolimus + ω-1 EPA:4.5 DHA + antioxidants). There was a significant improvement in clinical signs in all groups. TBUT increased throughout treatment in all groups; this effect was most pronounced in Group TO. Cytological analysis performed at the end of the study period, showed decreased levels of lymphocytes, neutrophils, and metaplastic and squamous cells in Groups T, TO, and TOA. Histological analysis performed at the end of the study period showed decreased levels of lymphocytes and neutrophils and increased levels of goblet cells. These effects were most pronounced in Group TO. Oral treatment with ω-3 containing a higher proportion of EPA than DHA increased the effectiveness of topical tacrolimus 0.03% in the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs.
Highlights
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), known as dry eye syndrome, is an ocular disease resulting from inflammation of the lacrimal gland and decreased lacrimal film
The objective of the study was to compare the efficacy of 0.03% topical tacrolimus in combination with oral ω-3 with different ratios of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and antioxidants as an adjuvant in the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in dogs
In the variables of ocular secretion and conjunctivitis, there was total remission in T1 only in Group TO, whereas in Groups T and TOA, remission was found at T3 and T2, respectively
Summary
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), known as dry eye syndrome, is an ocular disease resulting from inflammation of the lacrimal gland and decreased lacrimal film. KCS can occur because of reduced production of the aqueous portion of the tear film (quantitative deficiency) and/or excessive evaporation of the tear film (qualitative deficiency). Both phenomena render the protective function of the tear film deficient. KCS mainly affects structures of the cornea and conjunctiva[1,2]. Among the causes of KCS in dogs are racial predisposition, hypothyroidism, medications (atropine, sulfonamides), surgical excision of the third eyelid gland, distemper, and, mainly, autoimmune factors[3,4,5].
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