Eye Diseases in Dogs and Cats – New Treatment Options
Eye diseases can be very uncomfortable and, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications. Timely and effective treatment is therefore usually crucial.
Currently, medications such as antibiotics, as well as anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving agents, are frequently used to treat eye conditions. These medications often have side effects with prolonged use. In severe cases, operations may be necessary, which are associated with risks. Moreover, treatment for some eye conditions is very lengthy, which increases the owner’s time and costs, and strains or pushes the animals’ cooperation to its limits.
A relatively new procedure – Cold Plasma Therapy – can achieve a significant improvement in some eye conditions. In some cases, otherwise common operations are no longer necessary.
In human medicine, cold plasma has been used for years, for example, for wound healing. Now it is also increasingly used in veterinary medicine.
What is Cold Plasma?
Cold Plasma (CAPP, Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma) is an ionized gas that is generated using special devices. It has unique physical and chemical properties that make it extremely useful for medicine.
Cold plasma destroys germs. It is able to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi without damaging the surrounding tissue. Furthermore, cold plasma improves regional blood circulation and thus oxygen supply. Cell growth is stimulated, inflammatory conditions are reduced, and healing is promoted.
Examples of the Successful Application of Cold Plasma in Dogs and Cats
- Keratitis (corneal inflammation),
- Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva),
- Uveitis (inflammation of the choroid, uvea) in the anterior and middle part of the eye, consisting of the iris, the ciliary body (corpus ciliare) and the choroid
- Corneal ulcers
- Corneal infiltrates
Advantages over traditional methods
- No antibiotic resistances
- No antibiotic side effects
- Broad spectrum of activity
- Faster healing
- Minimally invasive application
- Gentler on the tissue
- Treatment can be performed on an outpatient basis
- High success rates in bacterial infections and chronic inflammatory conditions
- The treatment is well tolerated and painless
- Treatment on the eye under local anesthesia
- No serious side effects
Attention
CAPP treatment on eyes in dogs or cats should always be performed by an experienced veterinary specialist for eye diseases. The pins used in cosmetics in human medicine are not qualitatively suitable for medical treatments. They do not achieve the necessary performance and, above all, also generate heat. They could be dangerous for the treatment of eyes.
Conclusion
The use of cold plasma in the treatment of eye diseases in dogs is a promising and effective method. It offers numerous advantages over traditional treatment methods and could have a lasting impact on the future of veterinary medicine. So, if you are looking for a gentle and efficient treatment option for your dog, cold plasma might be the right choice.
FAQs
Can Cold Plasma be used on all dog breeds and also on cats?
Yes, Cold Plasma is suitable for all dogs and cats.
Can any veterinarian perform this treatment?
Not every practice has a corresponding, high-quality device and the veterinarian must have the necessary qualifications.
Is the treatment painless?
Yes, the application of Cold Plasma takes place after careful local anesthesia of the eye and is then painless for dogs and cats.
How many sessions are required?
That depends on the severity of the disease, but usually a few sessions are sufficient.
Are there long-term studies on safety?
Current studies show positive results; long-term data are still being collected.
Is the treatment also available for other animal species?
Research is underway to extend the application to other animals.
How quickly does the treatment work?
First improvements are often visible after the first session.
Does pet health insurance cover the costs?
That depends on the insurance. It is advisable to ask beforehand.
Sources:
- Reitberger, H., Martines, E., Mohr, A., Chow, C., Fuchsluger, Th.: Cold plasma for the treatment of therapy-refractory corneal ulcers. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2018; 235(12): 1366-1370, DOI: 10.1055/a-0792-1301
- Allgoewer IN: Ocular disorders of 809 French Bulldogs (2019), Abstracts: Annual Scientific Meeting of the ECCO, Antwerp, Belgium May 23–26, 2019. Vet Ophthalmol.
