Effect of autologous plasma treatment on the cornea regeneration with Keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs

Our study was aimed at assessing the effectiveness of autologous plasma enriched with platelets as part of the complex treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) of moderate severity in dogs. In our experiment, 20 dogs of various breeds with clinical signs of keratoconjunctivitis sicca participated. The animals were divided into the experimental group and the control group, 10 dogs in each group. The animals of the control group were treated with standard treatment: local antibiotic therapy, a topical immunosuppressant (cyclosporine), and also a lubricant. In addition to standard treatment, an autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) was additionally subconjunctivally injected weekly to animals of the experimental group. The effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated by monitoring the changes in the hydration level of the anterior segment of the eye, the cytological picture of smears and gross anatomical appearance of the front of eye. The results in experimental group demonstrated a decrease in the number of desquamated epithelial cells, as well as a more intense decrease in segmented cells. The dynamics of the reduction of the clinical manifestations of KCS in animals that used PRP as part of complex therapy is more pronounced and was quite fast. Our observations show that autologous platelet-rich plasma is a powerful protector of corneal regeneration and therefore could be recommended to use in corneal erosion, keratitis ulcers and corneal injuries, as well as a keratoprotector after surgical interventions on the cornea and intraocular structures. © 2020 Popova et al.