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Effect of once daily topical 0.3% naltrexone on tear parameters and corneal sensitivity in dogs with uncontrolled keratoconjunctivitis sicca: a double‐masked randomized placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Author(s) -
Chen Thomas,
Powell Cynthia C.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
veterinary ophthalmology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.594
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1463-5224
pISSN - 1463-5216
DOI - 10.1111/vop.12255
Subject(s) - medicine , placebo , ophthalmology , artificial tears , tears , saline , randomized controlled trial , keratoconjunctivitis sicca , cornea , anesthesia , surgery , alternative medicine , pathology
Objective To determine the effect of once daily topical 0.3% naltrexone ( NTX ) on tear production, tear film breakup time (TFBUT), and corneal sensitivity in dogs with uncontrolled keratoconjunctivitis sicca ( KCS ). Animals studied Sixteen dogs with uncontrolled KCS . Procedures A randomized placebo‐controlled trial was performed in 16 dogs with topical 0.3% NTX once daily or topical saline solution drops once daily. A baseline was obtained at week 0 for tear production (Schirmer tear test 1 and 2— STT 1, STT 2), TFBUT , and corneal sensitivity. STT 1, STT 2, and TFBUT were then subsequently measured at weeks 1, 2, and 4 while on NTX or saline drops. Corneal sensitivity measures were repeated at week 4. The drops were subsequently discontinued and all parameters rechecked at week 5. Results There was no statistically significant difference in tear parameters or corneal sensitivity between the NTX ‐treated and the saline‐treated groups. Conclusion Topical 0.3% NTX given as a once daily dose over 4 weeks did not alter tear production, tear film stability, or corneal sensitivity in dogs with uncontrolled KCS.