LOCAL CLINICAL TRIAL OF CANINE CORNEAL ULCERS
Animal Vision Center of Virginia is conducting a year-long clinical trial, from March 2021 to March 2022, to determine if the non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medication Ketorolac influences the time for corneal ulcer healing. Some studies suggest a high frequency of this medication can delay the rate of ulcer healing. The AVCVA study will assess the effect of low frequency application on healing time, scar tissue formation and patient comfort.
Ketorolac can provide additional ocular pain relief, reduce inflammation and potentially reduce corneal blood vessel formation. This medication will be used in addition to the standard antibiotic therapy pets usually receive for treatment.
CRITERIA FOR THE STUDY:
Dogs diagnosed with corneal ulcers, including superficial ulcers, indolent ulcers, or mid-stromal ulcers without malacia or significant infiltrates included. Exclusions: Deep stromal ulcers and descemetoceles
STUDY ENROLLMENT:
If the patient meets our criteria, refer within 24 hours and we will offer reduced-cost visits and study medication. This includes 50% off initial visit and study medication, plus 30% off recheck visits and refills of study medication. We have allotted time in our schedule to accommodate same-day referrals.
STUDY PARAMETERS:
Upon enrollment, the pet patient will be involved in the study until the ulcer has fully healed—anywhere from a few days to a few months, based on the type of ulcer
MEET THE STUDY VETERINARIANS:
DR. HEATHER BROOKSHIRE
DVM, DACVO; Owner
While Animal Vision Center of Virginia has collected and analyzed data on various medical procedures to be used internally in the past, the Clinical Trial of Canine Corneal Ulcers is the first prospective, randomized, masked clinical study for the practice. Dr. Heather Brookshire is overseeing the study, in concert with Dr. Taylor Belk.
DR. TAYLOR BELK
DVM, Ophthalmology Resident
Dr. Taylor Belk developed and launched the Clinical Trial of Canine Corneal Ulcers, after noting the differing clinical practices among ophthalmologists to use or not to use the topical NSAIDs when addressing corneal ulceration. When completed, study results will be shared at the annual American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) conference and published in the journal, Veterinary Ophthalmology.
The following discounted estimates include the initial exam fee, services, e-collar and study medications:
Superficial Ulcer: ~ $130 to $145
Indolent Ulcer: ~ $250 to $275*
*Includes diamond burr debridement and contact lens.
Stromal Ulcer: ~ $145 to $155*
*Cost may vary based on need for cytology and/or culture.
Recheck exams
with esthesiometry: ~ $85*
*Cost may vary based on medication refill needs.