Case Reports for Topical Treatment of Corneal Ulcers with a New Matrix Therapy Agent or RGTA® in Dogs

Abstract

Superficial corneal ulcers that fail to heal within a normal time period and are refractory to conventional therapy in dogs are common in veterinary practice. Different etiologies can lead to this result, including spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs) and ulcerative keratitis associated with bullous keratopathy. Thus, there is an urgent need to find new therapeutic approaches such as matrix therapy replacement. To determine the efficacy of a new ophthalmic treatment (Clerapliq ® ) for SCCEDs and ulcerative keratitis associated with bullous keratopathy, a total of 11 dogs referred to the clinic because of nonhealing erosive ulcers after a classic primary treatment were enrolled to get this new treatment. Dogs underwent ophthalmic exams and 7 dogs (10 eyes) were diagnosed with superficial ulceration and 4 dogs (5 eyes) with bullous keratopathy due to endothelial dystrophy/degeneration. They received eye drops of Clerapliq ® every 3 days until recovery. The results showed that the corneas with recurrences of the ulcers were resolved predominantly by using Clerapliq ® every 3 days in 83.3% of the cases during a period of treatment ranging between 6 to 35 days. Therefore, this new approach using matrix therapy regenerating technology in treating superficial ulcers and bullous keratopathy in dogs can be successfully considered as an adjunctive therapy.

First-Intention Incisional Wound Healing in Dogs and Cats: A Controlled Trial of Dermapliq and Manuka Honey

“…The only report on the use of RGTAs in the dog is a case series of 11 dogs treated for ulcerative keratitis associated with bullous keratopathy [ 62 ]. Martinez et al [ 62 ] found that the corneas with recurrences of the ulcers were resolved predominantly by using RGTAs and that they can be considered a successful adjunctive therapy in the management of superficial ulcers.…”

Use of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Corneal Ulcers in Dogs: A Case Report

“…Therefore, an urgent need to find new therapeutic approaches for CU, has gained the attention of veterinary clinics. Alternative treatments such as platelet-rich plasma [12], amniotic membrane graft [13], matrix regenerating agents [14,15] have been reported. Recently MSCs has been used as an alternative for CU in humans, with outstanding outcomes [16].…”

Successful management of a unilateral persistent epithelial defect secondary to meibomian gland dysfunction in an Irish Sports Horse using a multi‐modal treatment plan

“…[36][37][38] Matrix regenerating agents have also been successfully used in dogs for PED, but these are not yet reported in horses. 39 Serum is a biological tear substitute. 2,40 This is known to provide lubrication, growth factors and cytokines for the surface of the eye.…”

“…They have been shown to improve tear film osmolarity, promote homeostasis and tear film retention, improving clinical signs by lubricating and lipid replacement 36–38 . Matrix regenerating agents have also been successfully used in dogs for PED, but these are not yet reported in horses 39 …”