Clinical evaluation of bioadhesive ophthalmic drug inserts (BODI) for the treatment of external ocular infections in dogs

Abstract

In the case of external ocular diseases such as conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and superficial corneal ulcers, topical administration of eyedrops containing an antibacterial agent is often prescribed. Numerous daily instillations of eyedrops over several days are required for successful treatment, often leading to bad compliance. In addition, the reflex lachrymation following instillation promotes rapid elimination of the drug from the corneal surface. To overcome the disadvantage of repeated instillations, a soluble bioadhesive ophthalmic drug insert (BODI) to be placed in the lower cul de sac of the eye was developed. The clinical efficacy, after deposition of one insert and a classical eyedrop treatment (Tiacil), Virbac Laboratories), was investigated in dogs presenting conjunctivitis, superficial corneal ulcer or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). Similar total clinical recovery results were obtained after 3 and 7 days for both treatments. BODI can therefore advantageously be prescribed for the treatment of external ophthalmic diseases, by reducing the treatment to a single application and therefore improving compliance compared to classical eyedrop treatment.