Two groups of dogs were studied.
Ten normal dogs with no signs of ocular disease were administered topical 0.02% sirolimus ophthalmic solution in right eye, and a vehicle control in the left eye twice daily for 4 weeks.
Complete ophthalmic examinations, including Schirmer tear test were performed weekly.
Eighteen dogs with refractory KCS were randomly assigned to receive 0.02% sirolumus ophthalmic solution or 0.02% tacrolimus ophthalmic solution twice daily.
Complete ophthalmic examinations were was performed at 2 and 6 weeks following treatment.
Tear production in the sirolimus-treated eyes of normal dogs was greater when compared to vehicle controls with a mean difference over all time points of 3.46 mm (95% CI 1.17, 5.75; P = 0.006).
After 4 weeks of treatment, the mean difference was 5 mm (95% CI 1.95, 8.05; P = 0.002).
In dogs with refractory dry eye, 37.5% of eyes treated with sirolimus exhibited increased tear production >4 mm/min after 6 weeks of treatment, compared to 20% of eyes receiving tacrolimus (P = 0.433).
One normal dog experienced topical irritation to both sirolimus and vehicle-treatment.
Side effects were not reported in any treated eyes with chronic KCS.
Topical 0.02% sirolimus might be an alternative treatment for canine patients with keratoconjunctivits sicca.
The drug appears safe when applied topically in an aqueous suspension for up to 6 weeks.
While initial results are promising, further studies are warranted.
Source: Spatola, R., Nadelstein, B., Berdoulay, A. and English, R. V. (2017), The effects of topical aqueous sirolimus on tear production in normal dogs and dogs with refractory dry eye. Veterinary Ophthalmology. doi: 10.1111/vop.12503
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