An Investigation Comparing the Efficacy of Topical Ocular Application of Tacrolimus and Cyclosporine in Dogs

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to determine the efficacy and safety of topical tacrolimus, compared to cyclosporine, for treating keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in dogs. This study was a two-phase, randomized, controlled, masked clinical trial. Phase 1 evaluated ophthalmic 0.03% tacrolimus in normal dogs. Ocular examinations were performed daily. Phase 2 evaluated the efficacy of tacrolimus in treating KCS. Half the dogs received 2% cyclosporine A; the others received 0.03% tacrolimus, both diluted in olive oil. Four ophthalmic examinations were done over 12 weeks. There was no significant difference between groups in phase I. In phase 2, there was no significant difference in Schirmer tear test I (STT) results between the two groups, and both groups had a significant increase in STT over time. Both drugs were effective in increasing the STT in dogs naïve to lacrimostimulants. Tacrolimus was effective in increasing the STT in 4 dogs currently nonresponsive to cyclosporine.

Comparative clinical evaluation of tacrolimus and cyclosporine eye drops for the treatment of canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca

“…In the present study, an increase in STT results was observed both for cyclosporine and tacrolimus. Similarly, in the research by Hendrix et al (2011), increased STT values were reported in both a group of dogs receiving 0.03% tacrolimus eye drops and a group receiving 2% cyclosporine, without statistically significant discrepancies between the two. A greater increase in STT values was observed after administering 1% pimecrolimus when compared to 0.2% cyclosporine (Ofri et al, 2009).…”

Tacrolimus for the Treatment of Subepithelial Infiltrates Resistant to Topical Steroids After Adenoviral Keratoconjunctivitis

“…The authors found that tacrolimus was potentially successful in increasing tear production in dogs that were nonresponsive to CsA. 24 The limitations of our study included the small sample size and the lack of a control group, masking, and randomization.…”

Effect of once daily topical 0.3% naltrexone on tear parameters and corneal sensitivity in dogs with uncontrolled keratoconjunctivitis sicca: a double‐masked randomized placebo‐controlled clinical trial

“…The results of this study suggest that a 0.3% solution of NTX given topically once daily is not effective in increasing tear production or corneal sensitivity in dogs with uncontrolled KCS. Mainstay treatments of KCS have included use of immunomodulatory/lacrimogenic drugs such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus . Recently, another drug in a similar class has been described .…”