Efficacy of autologous, homologous, and heterologous blood serums in healing of chemically induced corneal ulcers in dogs: a clinical and ultrasonographic study

Fotouhi, Faraz; Rakhshanpour, Alaleh; Mazaheri Khameneh, Ramin; Hashemi-asl, Seyed Mohammad

doi:10.30466/vrf.2025.2068702.4874

Efficacy of autologous, homologous, and heterologous blood serums in healing of chemically induced corneal ulcers in dogs: a clinical and ultrasonographic study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Faraz Fotouhi ¹

Alaleh Rakhshanpour ²

Ramin Mazaheri Khameneh ³

seyed mohammad hashemi-asl ³

¹ DVM Graduate, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran

² Department of Clinical Pathology and Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran

³ Department of Surgery and Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30466/vrf.2025.2068702.4874

Abstract

Corneal ulcers, particularly from alkaline chemical injuries, are a leading ocular complication in animals, accounting for about 20.00% of emergency referrals. These burns damage the conjunctiva and cornea, causing deep ulcers, potential perforation, delayed healing, infections and blindness. Prompt treatment is crucial to accelerate healing and minimize complications like permanent opacity. This study compared the efficacy of blood serums (autologous, homologous, and heterologous) against standard treatment (N-acetylcysteine and ciprofloxacin eye drops) and a control group (Normal saline) in treating induced corneal ulcers in five groups consisting of 10 healthy mixed-breed female dogs. Ulcers were created using 3.00 M sodium hydroxide-soaked filter paper on both eyes. Evaluations on 1, 7, 14, and 21 days assessed quantitative parameters (Total corneal and stromal thickness, ulcer diameter) and qualitative symptoms (photophobia, blepharospasm, discharge, congestion, edema, neovascularization, opacity) via ultrasonography and clinical exams, respectively. Results showed significant time- and treatment-dependent improvements. Heterologous serum notably reduced thickness and ulcer diameter from day seven compared to others. By days 14 - 21, all treatments (serums and drugs) lowered stromal thickness versus control. Qualitative parameters were improved significantly with all treatments from day seven. These findings supported the use of blood-derived serums, especially heterologous serum, to accelerate healing and improving clinical outcomes in canine corneal ulcers.

Keywords

Corneal ulcer

Dog

Serum therapy

Ultrasound