Temporary occlusion of the inferior lacrimal punctum and canaliculi of dogs with n-butyl-cyanoacrylate and 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate

Abstract

The occlusion of the inferior lacrimal punctum limits tear drainage and thus keeps it over the ocular surface, prolongs lubrication and minimizes the need of ocular lubricants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of n-butyl-cyanoacrylate and 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate adhesives in the occlusion of the inferior lacrimal punctum and canaliculi of dogs and their clinical repercussions over 180 days. Eleven dogs, were divided into two groups: occlusion with n-butyl-cyanoacrylate (GB, n=6) and with 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate (GO, n=5). Tear production, blepharospasm, ocular discharge, epiphora and conjunctival hyperemia were analyzed before the procedure and on days (T) 3,7,15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 after the procedure. Tear production of GB was significantly higher at T90 (P=0.0282) than its control. Variations between days showed that T7 (P=0.0069) and T180 (P=0.0207) varied significantly from T0. In the GO group, when treatment was compared to control, T15 (P<0.001) was significantly different from the rest. Variations between days showed that T15 was significantly different than T0 (P=0.0044), T3 (P=0.0234), T60 (P=0.0207) and T90 (P=0.0482). No significant difference was observed between the treatment groups at any given time. It was concluded that both adhesives were effective in occluding lacrimal drainage for long periods and could thus be considered as therapeutic options in treating animals with lacrimal deficiency