Effects of topical ketorolac tromethamine on tear parameters, meibography, goblet cell density, and conjunctival oxidative stress in healthy dogs

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the study was to evaluate whether a twice-daily instillation of 0.45% preservative-free ketorolac tromethamine (FKT) or 0.4% benzalkonium chloride-preserved ketorolac tromethamine (BACKT), every 12 h for 30 days may affect tear film parameters and the meibography in healthy dogs. Additionally, we assessed whether the same treatments irritated the ocular surface, affected goblet cell density (GCD), and the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers (OSB) in the conjunctiva of the same dogs.

PROCEDURES

Experimental and masked comparison study. In 11 healthy dogs baseline values of the lipid layer thickness, tear meniscus height, non-invasive tear breakup time (NI-TFBT), and the meibomian gland (MG) loss were assessed by OSAvet®. For each dog, one eye received 40 μL of BACKT, while the other received 40 μL FKT, every 12 h for 30 consecutive days. Tear parameters and meibography were repeated 15, 30, and 60 days post-treatments. Conjunctival hyperemia and blepharospasm were monitored at the same time points. At baseline and Day 30, a conjunctival biopsy was collected for GCD and OSB determination.

RESULTS

Conjunctival hyperemia and blepharospasm were not observed. At Day 15, the MG loss increased only in FKT-treated eyes (p < .001). On Day 30, both treatment groups showed increased MG loss, shortened NI-TFBT, and reduced GCD and catalase (p < .05). At Day 30, BACKT-treated eyes showed lower levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p = .006) and higher levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) (p = .02). Differences between treatments were not observed for any parameter at any time point (p > .05). 60 days after treatment, OSAvet® parameters tended to return to values assessed at baseline; however, significant differences remained for MG loss (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Twice-daily instillation of KT, containing or not BAC, for 30 consecutive days shortened NI-TFBT, decreased GCD, and increased the MG loss in healthy dogs. KT should be used with caution when prescribed for long periods, particularly in patients with tear film abnormalities. However, future controlled studies using KT, BAC, and other topical NSAIDs are indicated to further support this finding.