Comparative Therapeutic Efficacy of Tacrolimus and Cyclosporine in Canine Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

Abstract

Cyclosporine and tacrolimus are key immunosuppressive treatments in Canine Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS). While cyclosporine is widely used, tacrolimus may be more effective in refractory cases. Comparing their therapeutic efficacy is crucial for optimizing treatment and improving canine eye health. The present study was carried out in the Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University (N.D.V.S.U.), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh (M.P.). for a period of 6 months. The study aimed to compare the therapeutic efficacy of topical tacrolimus (0.03%) and cyclosporine (0.2%) ointments in the management of canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca. A total of 8 dogs diagnosed with idiopathic keratoconjunctivitis sicca were randomly divided into two treatment groups of 4 dogs each and Group G3 served as the apparently healthy control. Dogs in Group G1 were treated with cyclosporine (0.2%) ointment three times daily for 30 days, while those in Group G2 received tacrolimus (0.03%) ointment twice daily for the same duration. The therapeutic response of each treatment group was evaluated on days 15 and day 30 post-treatment using the Schirmer tear test (STT-I), tear film breakup time (TFBUT) and clinical ophthalmic grading score. The clinical ophthalmic grading score was determined by assessing conjunctivitis, ocular discharge, eye irritation, corneal opacity and pigmentation. G2 group showed a significant reduction in clinical signs except corneal opacity and pigmentation while G1 group showed non-significant reduction in clinical signs on day 30 (post treatment). There was no significant difference between both groups in efficacy. However, Group G2 demonstrated a more effective increase in tear production and better control of clinical signs by day 30 as compared to Group G1.