Title: Prospective study on the effect of Micropulse laser therapy on dogs with glaucoma

Investigator:

Valeria Benitez-Vera DVM
Kathern Myrna DVM, MS, DACVO

If interested, please have your primary veterinarian request additional information from our Clinical Trials office at 706-296-7818 or through the University of Georgia (UGA) Ophthalmology Service at [email protected] (Attn: Dr. Benitez-Vera)

Study description:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of Micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (MP-TSCP) on glaucomatous canine eyes and report its efficacy in controlling intraocular pressures, maintaining vision, and decreasing the amount of glaucoma medications needed long term. MP-TSCP is a newer surgical glaucoma modality where laser energy is delivered transsclerally in a pulsatile fashion. Such pulses of “on/off” laser delivery allow tissues to cool down between pulses, decreasing thermal build-up and reducing collateral damage to adjacent tissues. MP-TSCP has been recognized as a favorable treatment option for human glaucoma patients. Published data of dogs undergoing TSCP reveal a 60-92% control in intra-ocular pressure over 8-12 months with 50-73% success rate in vision preservation.

Inclusion criteria:

• Visual dogs diagnosed with primary glaucoma

• Dogs having at least one intraocular pressure spike (>25mmHg) while on glaucoma medication, or if additional pressure-reducing medications are warranted from intraocular pressure increases

• Systemically healthy dogs with normal pre-operative complete blood count and serum biochemistry

Sighted dogs with glaucoma meeting inclusion criteria will receive an ophthalmic examination by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist, which will include slit lamp examination, indirect ophthalmoscopy, tonometry, fluorescein staining and Schirmer tear testing to determine eligibility. If enrolled, dogs will receive Micropulse laser therapy under heavy sedation or general anesthesia. Dogs will return for follow-up examinations at 1 week, 3 weeks, 2 months,4 months and 6 months post laser treatment, barring no complications that warrant more frequent recheck evaluations.

Study funds cover the cost of the initial visit fee and Micropulse treatment, including anesthesia and intra-operative medications. If a second Micropulse treatment is needed within the first 3 months, study funds will cover a second Micropulse treatment and anesthesia costs as well. Owners are responsible for the costs of the 5 recheck examinations as well as any routine ophthalmic medications for their dog.

Duration of study:

The study is currently OPEN.

Potential benefits to veterinary medicine:

Despite pharmacologic and surgical advancements in both human and veterinary medicine, glaucoma continues to be the leading cause for ocular discomfort and irreversible blindness in canine patients. Micropulse therapy may help control intraocular pressure, decrease medication administration burden, and preserve vision long-term (about 6 months) for dogs with glaucoma. Data obtained from this study may allow veterinarians to recommend an additional treatment option for sighted dogs with glaucoma.