The use of omega 3 and 6 in keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs

Abstract

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is an common ophthalmic disease in dogs. The etiology in 30% of the cases is related to immune-mediated processes, but is classified as idiopathic in most cases. The use of essential fatty acids such as omega 3 and 6, has been studied in humans and rabbits as option of treatment for KCS because of the potential anti-inflammatory effect, showing good results. There are no studies of its use for the treatment of dogs naturally affected by KCS. The objective of this study was to perform clinical and microscopic analyses of anti-inflammatory action of omega 3 and 6, present in linseed oil and fish oil, administered orally in dogs with KCS. To do this, will be evaluated clinical parameters of animals such as blepharospasm, conjunctival hyperemia, corneal neovascularization and pigmentation, Schirmer tear test 1 and break up time test. Additionally, there will be the conjunctival impression cytology and biopsy for subsequent histological analysis. The animals will be divided into three experimental groups consisting of 15 dogs. The group 1 and 2 will consist of animals with KCS, which will receive, respectively, fish oil (1 g each 24 hours) and linseed oil (1g each 24 hours) for 60 days. The group 3 will consist of dogs without KCS, not being given any supplementation, performing only full assessment to determine normal values.