Banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO: MARCOS VINICIUS MONTEIRO VIANNA

THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT OF TACROLIMUS 0.05% IN THE TREATMENT OF KERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS SCA IN DOGS

immunosuppressants, conjunctivitis, Schirmer.

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is one of the most diagnosed ophthalmic conditions in dogs, characterized by inadequate production of tear film quantity and quality. Currently, there is no cure for CCS and the different treatments aim to improve the clinical signs (mucoid eye secretion, conjunctival hyperemia, blepharospasm, recurrent corneal ulcer, corneal vascularization, recurrent infectious blepharitis and, in more advanced cases, corneal pigmentation) and prevent the progression of the disease, which currently includes the use of immunosuppressants. In this context, the rational use of currently available eye drops is sought, providing the same effectiveness with greater practicality for animals. The objective of this work will be to verify the effectiveness of tacrolimus 0.05% with an interval greater than the recommended one in the control of dogs with CCS. Will be used 28 animals of different breeds diagnosed with CCS through the Schirmer test less than 10mm, and that have not been treated with immunosuppressants for at least two months. The animals will be divided into two experimental groups: 14 animals medicated with 0.05% tacrolimus every 12 hours for 60 days; 14 animals medicated with 0.05% tacrolimus every 12 hours for 15 days and then every 24 hours for another 45 days. Tear production measurements will be performed on days 0; +7; +14; +21; +28; +35; +42, +49, +56 and +63. At the end of the study, it is expected to keep tear production levels within the normal range and animals without clinical signs triggered by CCS until day +60, and with that, propose to clinicians to make new recommendations in the management of this disease, with in order to provide greater adherence in the maintenance of the disease.