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Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences

Volume: 57 Issue: 2

  • Open Access
  • Research Article

Evaluation of autologous platelet rich plasma injection into the lacrimal gland for the management of keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs- A randomised clinical trial

Jini S. Pillai 1 , S. Anoop2, Syam K. Venugopal1, Laiju M. Philip2, Soumya Ramankutty 1 and Sangeetha S. Gireesh3

1Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, 2University Veterinary Hospital and Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, 3Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, Ethics and Jurisprudence College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Thrissur- 680 651., Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Kerala, India.

Year: 2026, Page: 230-236, Doi: https://doi.org/10.51966/jvas.2026.57.2.230-236

Received: Oct. 29, 2025 Accepted: Dec. 12, 2025 Published: June 30, 2026

Abstract

The present study was conducted in six clinical cases of canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) presented to the University Veterinary Hospitals of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), during the period from November 2024 to September 2025. Dogs having clinical signs suggestive of KCS were selected irrespective of age, sex, or breed and were subjected to autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection into the lacrimal gland. Clinical, ophthalmic and haematological parameters were evaluated on day 0, days 30 and 60 post operatively. Autologous PRP was prepared using a double-centrifugation method with a modified syringe technique, ensuring a platelet concentration of approximately 1×10⁶/μL. The procedure was performed under general anaesthesia with strict aseptic precautions. Marked improvement in corneal clarity and ocular discharge was observed in all dogs, accompanied by a reduction in corneal neovascularisation. A significant increase in Schirmer tear test-I (STT-I) and Schirmer tear test-II (STT-II) values indicated enhanced total and basal tear production, while tear film break-up time (TBUT) showed a significant rise, reflecting improved tear film stability and ocular surface integrity. The treatment was well tolerated, with no major complications. These findings suggest that autologous PRP injection offers a minimally invasive, biologically regenerative approach for restoring lacrimal gland function in the management of canine KCS.

Keywords: Dogs, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, platelet rich plasma, lacrimal gland injection

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Cite this article

Pillai, J. S., Anoop, S., Syam, K.V., Philip, L. M., Ramankutty, S. & Gireesh, S. G. (2026). Evaluation of autologous platelet rich plasma injection into the lacrimal gland for the management of keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs- A randomised clinical trial. Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 57(2),230-236 https://doi.org/10.51966/jvas.2026.57.2.230-236

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