In this article, we will inform our valued readers regarding Cyclosporine eye drops for dogs, as these eye drops can help dog owners tackle most of the eye-related problems that their canine friend might have.
The bond of friendship between a dog and his owner is truly a fantastic thing and definitely one of the few things that add color to this dull grey world. Dogs are an essential part of any dog lover’s life, and therefore it is natural to try to provide the best care to your dog no matter at what cost.
This guide is just another step, although a massive step in making you more capable of taking care of your four-legged best friend in the best way possible. Dogs often have problems with their eyes due to several reasons.
The chief culprit of causing eye-related problems in dogs is infection. But the most common problems that your dog might suffer from are dry eye and Pannus.
General Information About Cyclosporine Eye Drops For Dogs
Cyclosporine is an excellent agent to be used against dry eyes and Pannus in dogs. The fact that proves its safety record when it comes to dogs is that it is prescribed by veterinary practitioners all over the world and is widely used effectively against various eye-related problems, the chief of which are dry eyes and Pannus.
Another good thing about Cyclosporine is the fact that it is available both in the forms of eye drops and eye ointment, which comes in handy when tackling different problems.
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
Dry eyes are clinically known as Keratoconjunctivitis sicca and are the result of an inadequate production of an aqueous portion of tears by the glands present in the third eyelid. This causes the eye to dry up, leading to more problems for the dog.
The inadequate production of the aqueous portion of tears may be caused by Hypothyroidism, medications such as sulphonamides, and various systematic diseases.
Application of cyclosporine eye drops for dogs causes increased production of tears which aids in hydrating eyes. Cyclosporin also decreases the inflammation of the cornea and glands present in the third eyelid.
Cyclosporine eye drops for dogs as well as the ointment version also have a soothing and calming effect on the cornea, which helps in protecting the cornea from further infections. But all of this doesn’t mean that dog owners should expect immediate results and quick healing from Keratoconjunctivitis sicca as it is a pretty severe problem.
Therefore, expect your dog to take almost eight weeks to recover from it entirely. Once the condition has been observed, it is common to advise dog owners to their dog on Cyclosporine treatment indefinitely as he can easily contract another infection if he has already been affected by Keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
Your vet may also use fake tears while treating your dog to boost the action of cyclosporine eye drops for dogs. Cyclosporine treatment is effective in 75% to 85% of canine patients suffering from Keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
Pannus or chronic superficial keratitis
Cyclosporine eye drops for dogs and ointment is also used to cure Pannus or chronic superficial keratitis in several dog breeds such as German Shepherds.
Panus is characterized by pink-greyish film over the eye, which might turn fully opaque as the disease progresses. Pannus is defined as an immune disorder of the eye and specifically the cornea.
Several factors can cause Pannus in dogs which include but are not limited to airborne irritants, entropion, and high altitudes. Cyclosporine eye ointments and drops are used all over the world to treat Pannus in dogs.
Cyclosporine has become the go-to treatment for this condition for several reasons. It is highly effective and is generally causing lower systemic side effects compared to drugs like topical corticosteroids. That’s why dog owners can use Cyclosporine eye drops for dogs safely and with total confidence.
Cyclosporine eye drops and ointment are approved by the FDA for use on animals which speaks volume to the quality and safety of this product when used for dogs.
Tips on the usage of administer cyclosporine eye drops for dogs
Administering eye medication can be highly tricky even when it comes to humans, and therefore you can imagine how troublesome it can be to use the product on your canine friend.
Here are some tips regarding the correct usage of Cyclosporine on dogs.
Be Patient
As mentioned above, applying anything to your dog’s eyes won’t be easy at all, and therefore we advise our valued readers to be patient and let their canine friend take his time to get familiar and comfortable with the process.
If try to expedite the treatment with your dog it will only make the process harder and it might also cause some severe damage to your dog’s eyes.
Use the right strategy
If you are new to applying ointment or drops, we recommend you talk to your vet about it. He will be able to help you develop a workable strategy for administering Cyclosporine eye drops or ointment to your dog.
Everyday tips for correctly doing all that is to make your dog feel comfortable. At ease, use treats to keep him calm and also, there is no reason to shy off from petting him and hugging him as this will undoubtedly make him feel less tensed, which will, in turn, make the process much easier for you.
You must also ensure that you do not touch the eyelid of the dog with the nozzle of the drops or ointment as it could badly damage the eyes. Nozzles of eye drops and ointment must also be protected against contamination, and therefore disinfected before and after application. This is really critical!
Dosage
Always follow the dosage prescribed by your vet and stick to it no matter what happens. If, for some reason, you end up missing giving a dose of Cyclosporine, then we recommend to administer the product right away provided that there is enough time until the next dose or else simply skip it. Never and we repeat NEVER double the dose to make up for the missing one.
Side effects of cyclosporine eye drops for dogs
Although Cyclosporine is known for causing very little side effects, it still doesn’t mean that dog owners should treat it as a wonder, risk-free drug. Just like any other drug, manufacturers of Cyclosporine publish a list of side effects and a consultation with your vet will help substantiate the potential risks.
That’s why owners must never use Cyclosporine without consulting with their veterinarian.
Cases of corneal ulcers
Dogs that are being treated for corneal ulcers can undergo Cyclosporine treatment. Still, in that case, the canine patient will be administered topical ophthalmic antibiotics and will have to be kept in special care for a period of time
Precautions
As with any other drug, Cyclosporine must be kept out of reach of children and other animals.
If a child or any other individual suffers from an overdose of Cyclosporine eye drops for dogs or ointment, then you should call the National Capital Poison Center at 800.222.1222.
Overdose of any drug can be highly harmful, and therefore it should be taken seriously. First and foremost, dog owners must try their best to avoid any incident of overdosing by sticking to the vet’s prescription and following it to the core.
Owners must ensure to keep cyclosporine eye drops for dogs and ointments out of their dog’s reach. But if such an incident still happens, then you should immediately take action. Try to talk to your vet immediately and go to an emergency clinic immediately, if possible.
Vets are trained professionals, and they can rectify this problem in the most efficient manner. If you are unable to call your vet right away or visit him, then we suggest you call the Animal Poison Control Centre or APCC at 888.4264435
Storage
Cyclosporine comes in different forms, dosage sizes, and strengths, and all of it can have drastically different storage requirements.
That’s why customers should read the labeling or, better yet, consult a pharmacist to get a better idea about the storage requirements of the product in hand.
Most customers and dog owners don’t take the storage of medicines too seriously, and it can lead to some serious repercussions. Therefore, we suggest to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for appropriate and safe storage.
Cost
Cyclosporine eye drop or ointment products are offered in different price ranges and formats.
You can get a good idea of the availability of the product online by checking the 1800petmeds.com website.
Veterinary behind this article
This article on cyclosporine eye drops for dogs is based on extensive research done by Dr. Barbara Forney on Cyclosporine and its effects on dogs.
Barbara is a veterinary practitioner in Chester County, Pennsylvania, an active member of AAEP, AVMA, and AMWA and a FEI veterinarian.