Cyclosporine A versus dexamethasone in the treatment of canine nictitans plasmacytic conjunctivitis

Abstract

Thirteen dogs with nictitans plasmocytic conjunctivitis were treated with 2.0 per cent cyclosporine drops in the right eye and with 0.1 per cent dexamethasone ointment in the left eye. Response to both therapies was monitored over a six-week period and repeat biopsy specimens were taken. Time to recurrence of the clinical signs after the cessation of treatments was also determined. Conjunctival cultures were taken before and after both therapies. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in the remission of clinical signs, reduction of inflammatory infiltrate in the biopsy specimens or time and severity of recurrence between both treatments. Even though there were no significant differences between both drugs, we appreciated a tendency of eyes treated with 0.1 per cent dexamethasone to recover more rapidly than eyes treated with 2.0 per cent cyclosporine . On the other hand, eyes treated with 2.0 per cent cyclosporine tended to recur slower than the ones treated with 0.1 per cent dexamethasone.