Animal Health Solution - a Covetrus magazine for veterinary professionals
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16 Covetrus | ph: 855.724.3461 | fx: 888.329.3861 | northamerica.covetrus.com V eterinarians know that ocular ulcers can be a discouraging problem. It's disturbing for owners to see their dogs in pain and trapped in the "cone of shame." But at the same time, compliance with the prescribed regimen can be a challenge for many pet parents, especially if the dog is uncooperative. The result: Staying on top of the latest research to support management of ulcers that don't heal, and the risks associated with them. At this year's ACVO Scientific Conference, several presentations discussed topical serum, which is commonly used to treat and heal ulcers. Of particular interest was a study from Purdue University 1 that found that serum does not improve healing in infected corneal ulcers treated medically or surgically in dogs. Another study 2 from the University of Iowa found that serum and plasma can reduce antibiotic efficacy because of antibiotic binding to protein from high levels of albumin; therefore, care should be taken to avoid concomitant administration of serum/ plasma and topical antibiotics. The serum/plasma should be administered last and only after appropriate time has elapsed since antibiotic application. In a study from Sentrx ™ Animal Care, a patented crosslinked Hyaluronic acid (HA) matrix in a hydrogel drop has shown to support corneal healing. A separate study from Sentrx also compared the ocular residence time of their crosslinked HA to a linear HA drop in normal healthy dogs. 3 Linear HA quickly migrated to the tear meniscus and could be quantified up to 36 min. Crosslinked HA exhibited a dual phase behavior: A wide surface coverage first, lasting up to 50 min, then accumulating in tear film meniscus and medial canthus in the second phase, remaining in contact with the ocular surface up to 180 min. Crosslinked HA exhibited a broader ocular surface coverage and a significantly increased ocular surface contact time compared with linear HA. Not only could this indicate extended lubrication but the ability of the crosslinked matrix to adhere to the ocular surface to provide much needed scaffolding support. The Latest on Corneal Ulcers