Cyclosporine A topical administration in dogs affected by immune-mediated keratoconjunctivitis sicca

Purpose To study the effect of Cyclosporine A (CsA) on immune-mediated canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or dry eye, and to evaluate the potential therapeutic action of this molecule. Methods The present study was conducted on a sample of randomized dogs affected by immune-mediated KCS. It consists of 12 cases (24 eyes), various ages (from 3 to 11 years old) and different sexes (9 males - 3 females). All dogs exhibited: different stages of muco purulent filaments and redness; they were negative to fluorescein; STT I on right eye was 4,4 ± 2,5 mm/1 min on left one was 5,5 ± 2,3 mm/1 min; cytology showed many inflammatory cells. The dogs were topically treated with CsA ointment (0,2%) for 8 weeks 0,6 cm strip (1/4 inch) of ointment every 12 hours. Results The result of these studies presented a significant improvement as evaluated by STT I . Thus, the right eye was 12 ± 4,6 mm/1 min (p < 0,05) and the left one was 11,8 ± 4,1 mm/1 min (p < 0,05). Moreover, dogs treated with CsA showed decreased purulent corneal secretion and marked regression of chronic corneal neovascularization and granulation tissue. Cytology analysis indicated a significant reduction in the number of corneal inflammatory cells. Conclusion This report confirmed that CsA is involved in the regulation of tears production, most probably by acting on reduction lacrimal gland inflammation and possible regeneration of lacrimal acinar lobules. CsA caused also a marked anti-inflammatory action of the dog’s cornea. Neverthless, further clinical studies are necessary to assess the consistency corneal toxic effect of this mulecole in the eye.