A comparison of Topical Tacrolimus and Pimecrolimus in the Treatment of Canine Ophthalmic Auto-Immune Disorder

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the comparative efficacies of Tacrolimus and Pimecrolimus for the treatment of Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS), Pannus, and other autoimmune related ophthalmological disorders. Methods: A descriptive retrospective study of clinical data obtained through two separate veterinary studies. The improvement in Schirmer Tear Test (STT) between the Tacrolimus group and Pimecrolimus group is compared. Results: There were 27 canines in the Tacrolimus group, with a total of 50 affected eyes. The Pimecrolimus group had 14 total canines, but tear production was measured in only 8, for a total of 16 affected eyes. At baseline, there was no significant difference in tear production between the two groups. At first and second follow up, and in both eyes, Tacrolimus produced a significantly greater increase in tear production than Pimecrolimus (p=0.0093 and p=0.0292 respectively for the right eye first and second follow up; p=0.0425 and p=0.0065 respectively for the left eye first and second follow up). Conclusions: Treatment with Tacrolimus produced a greater increase in tear production that Pimecrolimus in canines with autoimmune keratitis.