Terapêutica da ceratoconjuntivite seca canina: revisão bibliográfica

Canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca therapeutics: literature review

Abstract

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a disease commonly seen in dogs that is characterized by the reduction or absence of lacrimal secretions. It can be classified as qualitative or quantitative, and both categories are able to elicit conjunctival and corneal inflammation, ocular pain, progressive corneal disease, and vision impairment. This disease’s treatment is based on reestablishing and maintaining ocular surface homeostasis. Patients may benefit from different therapeutic protocols, such as the use of lacrimomimetics, that increase lacrimal stability, helping to retain ocular humidity; lacrimostimulants, that promote lacrimal secretion; fatty acids, which play a role on meibum synthesis and block pro-inflammatory cytokine genic expression; blood products, based on promotion of epithelial growth factors; and stem cells, due to their self-renewing capabilities. Stable cases may benefit from the use of steroidal or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents on the control of clinical signs. Refractory cases may eventually benefit from surgical therapies, which include techniques for parotid duct transposition, gland transplants, and lacrimal puncta occlusion.