Células tronco no tratamento da ceratoconjuntivite seca e break up time test nos períodos pré, trans e pós-operatório em cães (Canis lupus familiaris)

Abstract

The main function of the lacrimal system is the eye protection. There are some factors that can lead to decrease in lacrimal production and thus to secondary lesions. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca leads to decrease of lacrimal film and therefore to corneal lesions. There are treatments for such condition, however definitive cure don’t exist yet. Recently, the treatment of several diseases with stem cells became more relevant and although their action is not completely understood, this therapy is considered harmless. This study reports the effects of the application of mesenchymal stem cells in dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca, applied by two different routes. Another study was conducted objectifying to report the effects of two anesthetic protocols on lacrimal production in healthy dogs, since anesthesia is another factor that may lead to lacrimal reduction. Regarding the cell therapy, there were distinct beneficial effects between the two types of application. The animals that received stem cells as eye drops had significant improvement in clinical signs and those receiving periglandular injections had a significant increase in the Break Up Time (BUT) test, compatible with favorable patient outcomes. In the patients undergoing to anesthesia with two different protocols, it was observed that there was a decrease in the tear production in the trans and post-anesthetic periods in both cases, without significant differences between them. These results suggested that both protocols demand ocular lubrication. The results obtained in BUT in dogs under general anesthesia must be reevaluated after recovering to avoid misdiagnosis of keratoconjunctivitis sicca.