Preliminary clinical evaluation of the treatment efficacy of a temperature-adjustable cryotherapy device for chronic, recurrent blepharitis in dogs.

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To preliminarily evaluate the treatment efficacy of a temperature-adjustable cryotherapy device for chronic, recurrent blepharitis in dogs. Five dogs (eight eyes) of different breeds with blepharitis, which was unresponsive to systemic steroids. The dogs were subjected to ophthalmic examination, including Schirmer tear test-1 (STT-1), tear film break-up time (TFBUT) test, and slit-lamp biomicroscope examination. Cryotherapy was performed using a device featuring precise low-temperature control. A bandage lens and ointment (2% hypromellose) were applied before cryotherapy to protect the cornea. Carbon dioxide gas at 0°C was sprayed on the lesion for 10 s. In all patients, only topical antibiotics and corticosteroid were applied twice a day; systemic corticosteroids were not used. Pruritus and ocular discharge were scored based on the visual analog scale (VAS) before and 3 weeks after cryotherapy. Qualitative changes in tear film were measured using STT-1 and a TFBUT test. The effects on erythema and swelling were evaluated by ophthalmic examination. Pruritus improvement was confirmed in all eight eyes (five dogs). After cryotherapy, the average VAS score of pruritus significantly decreased from 4.12 ± 2.64 to 0.37 ± 0.51 (p < .001), and the average TFBUT significantly increased from 5.75 ± 4.80 to 13.75 ± 4.43 (p = .010). STT-1 and the VAS score of ocular discharge did not significantly differ. Erythema and swelling were improved in three out of eight eyes. Cryotherapy is effective in treating blepharitis with pruritus and may become a new treatment option in patients in whom systemic corticosteroids are difficult to administer.