Eye Care Therapy — Educational Treatment Frameworks
This page provides sample treatment frameworks for common ophthalmic conditions in dogs and cats. These educational resources illustrate how Vet Tears HA (viscoelastic ocular lubricant) and FurrMoxi LP (preservative-free antibiotic + steroid) may be integrated into clinical practice based on patient needs.
Important: These are general educational frameworks—not prescriptive clinical guidelines. Every patient requires individualized assessment and treatment planning. For detailed product information (mechanism, composition, complete prescribing information), visit individual product pages. For complex cases, consult with board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists.
Common Ophthalmic Conditions We Support
Dry Eye / KCS
Chronic tear deficiency requiring long-term lubrication and epithelial support.
View Condition Guide →Post-Operative Care
Peri-operative management following cataract, corneal and adnexal procedures.
View Condition Guide →Cherry Eye Surgery
Post-surgical management where tear dynamics may be compromised.
View Condition Guide →Our Eye Care Products
Two complementary products designed for different clinical scenarios. Click for complete product details.
Vet Tears HA
Viscoelastic ocular lubricant with sodium hyaluronate for chronic dry eye and corneal healing support.
View Product Details →FurrMoxi LP
Preservative-free antibiotic + steroid for post-operative infection prophylaxis and inflammation control.
View Product Details →Product Selection Guide — Which Product, When?
Quick reference matrix for selecting appropriate products based on clinical scenario.
Clinical Scenario Matrix
| Clinical Scenario | Recommended Product(s) | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Chronic KCS (Dry Eye) | Vet Tears HA | Long-term lubrication + epithelial healing support |
| Post-Cataract Surgery | FurrMoxi LP → Vet Tears HA | Anti-infective/anti-inflammatory first, then lubrication |
| Post-Cherry Eye Surgery | FurrMoxi LP + Vet Tears HA | Manage inflammation + compensate for reduced tear production (30-50% loss) |
| ⚠️ Corneal Ulcer (Active) | Vet Tears HA ONLY | NO FurrMoxi LP — steroid contraindicated in active ulcer |
| Keratitis (Post-Healing) | Vet Tears HA | Surface protection after epithelial closure confirmed |
| Exposure Keratopathy | Vet Tears HA | Frequent lubrication to prevent desiccation |
| Adjunct to Immunomodulator | Vet Tears HA | Combined with cyclosporine/tacrolimus for KCS management |
Quick Decision Tree
(Fluorescein test negative for ulcer)
Anti-infective + anti-inflammatory
Wait 5-10 min after FurrMoxi LP
⚠️ IF CORNEAL ULCER PRESENT:
Use Vet Tears HA ONLY. Do NOT use FurrMoxi LP. Topical corticosteroids can worsen infections, delay healing, and increase perforation risk.
Sample Treatment Frameworks for Common Conditions
These are educational sample frameworks illustrating how products may be integrated into clinical practice. All treatment decisions must be individualized based on patient history, examination findings, diagnostic results, and professional judgment. Adapt based on patient response and specialist consultation when appropriate.
Sample Framework 1: Chronic KCS (Dry Eye)
Note: This is a general educational framework. Individualize based on patient presentation, concurrent conditions, and diagnostic findings.
Step 1: Initial Assessment
- Schirmer Tear Test (STT) baseline
- Fluorescein staining for corneal integrity
- Rule out underlying causes (hypothyroidism, drug-induced, neurologic)
Step 2: Treatment Based on STT Results
- Mild KCS (STT 10-15mm):
Vet Tears HA 1 drop 2-3x daily - Moderate KCS (STT 5-9mm):
Vet Tears HA 1 drop 4-5x daily + immunomodulator (cyclosporine 0.2% BID) - Severe KCS (STT <5mm):
Vet Tears HA 1 drop 6x daily (every 2-3 hours) + immunomodulator
📅 Monitoring Schedule
Week 2: Recheck STT, adjust Vet Tears HA frequency
Week 4-6: Assess clinical response to immunomodulator
Month 2-3: Re-evaluate STT, adjust to maintenance dosing
Quarterly: Long-term monitoring (STT + corneal exam)
⚠️ When to Refer Specialist
STT remains <5mm after 8 weeks of immunomodulator therapy, progressive corneal pigmentation despite treatment, or suspicion of immune-mediated disease requiring systemic therapy.
Sample Framework 2: Post-Cataract Surgery
Note: Post-operative care should follow surgeon's specific instructions. This framework is for educational purposes only.
Phase 1: Day 0-7 (Acute Post-Op)
- FurrMoxi LP: 1 drop 4x daily
- Vet Tears HA: 1 drop 4x daily (wait 10 min after FurrMoxi LP)
- Monitor for: infection signs, anterior chamber reaction, IOP elevation
- E-collar mandatory to prevent rubbing
Phase 2: Week 2 (Tapering Begins)
- Recheck appointment: IOP, corneal clarity, anterior chamber assessment
- FurrMoxi LP: Taper to 3x daily
- Vet Tears HA: Continue 3-4x daily
Phase 3: Week 3-4 (Continued Taper)
- FurrMoxi LP: Taper to 2x daily, then discontinue by Week 4
- Vet Tears HA: Taper to 2-3x daily, continue as needed for comfort
- Week 4 recheck: Final post-op assessment
🚨 Red Flags — Refer Immediately
• Sudden vision loss
• Severe pain, blepharospasm, or photophobia
• Hypopyon or marked anterior chamber flare
• IOP >25mmHg
• Corneal edema worsening after Day 3
Sample Framework 3: Post-Cherry Eye Surgery
Note: Post-surgical management varies by surgical technique. Consult with surgeon for case-specific guidance.
Week 1: Aggressive Lubrication Phase
- FurrMoxi LP: 1 drop 3-4x daily
- Vet Tears HA: 1 drop every 2-3 hours (6-8x daily)
- Rationale: Third eyelid gland contributes 30-50% of tear production; compensate for potential loss
Week 2-4: Assess Tear Production Recovery
- Week 2 STT: Assess tear production status
- FurrMoxi LP: Taper based on inflammation (typically d/c by Week 3)
- Vet Tears HA: Adjust frequency based on STT results:
- If STT >15mm: Taper to 3-4x daily
- If STT 10-15mm: Continue 4-5x daily
- If STT <10mm: Continue 6x daily + consider immunomodulator
📊 Long-Term Management Decision
If STT normalizes (>15mm): Taper Vet Tears HA to PRN basis over 2-4 weeks
If STT remains low (<15mm): Continue Vet Tears HA 2-3x daily long-term
Recheck schedule: Month 1, Month 3, then every 6 months
⚠️ Risk Factors for Persistent Dry Eye
Breeds predisposed to KCS (Cocker Spaniel, Bulldog, Shih Tzu), bilateral cherry eye surgery, or complete gland excision (vs. pocket technique). Monitor closely with STT.
Sample Framework 4: Corneal Ulcer (Post-Healing)
Note: Active corneal ulcers require specialist guidance. This framework applies only AFTER complete epithelial healing confirmed.
⚠️ CRITICAL: Contraindication Check
Do NOT use FurrMoxi LP (contains steroid) in active corneal ulceration. Use appropriate antimicrobial therapy as directed by ophthalmologist.
Step 1: Confirm Epithelial Closure
- Fluorescein test negative (ulcer fully healed)
- No signs of active infection
- Corneal clarity improving
Step 2: Post-Healing Support with Vet Tears HA
- Week 1-2 post-healing: Vet Tears HA 1 drop 4-6x daily
- Week 3-4: Taper to 3-4x daily
- Maintenance: Continue 2-3x daily if underlying dry eye present
📅 Monitoring Post-Ulcer
Recheck at 3-5 days, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks post-healing. Monitor for: recurrence, corneal scarring, persistent discomfort. If dry eye contributed to ulcer formation, manage long-term with Vet Tears HA + immunomodulator if indicated.
Combination Therapy Guidelines
When Using Both Products Together
Application Sequence & Timing
-
First: Apply FurrMoxi LP
Medicated drop needs direct contact with ocular surface for therapeutic effect -
Wait: 5-10 minutes
Allows FurrMoxi LP to absorb before dilution -
Then: Apply Vet Tears HA
Provides additional lubrication and surface protection without interfering with medication
Why Sequence Matters
- Drug efficacy: Medicated drops require direct ocular surface contact to work properly
- Prevent dilution: Lubricants applied first can wash away or dilute active ingredients
- Maximize benefit: Each product performs its intended function optimally when used in correct order
💡 Clinical Pearl: Multiple Medications
For patients on multiple eye medications (e.g., FurrMoxi LP + immunomodulator + Vet Tears HA):
Order of application:
1. Most critical medication first (e.g., FurrMoxi LP)
2. Secondary medications (e.g., cyclosporine)
3. Lubricants last (Vet Tears HA)
Always wait 5-10 minutes between different drops to prevent washout.
Clinical Troubleshooting Guide
Common challenges and practical solutions when patients don't respond as expected.
❌ Problem: Patient Not Improving on Vet Tears HA
Possible Causes
- Insufficient dosing frequency (underdosing)
- Underlying immune-mediated destruction of lacrimal tissue not addressed
- Compliance issues — owner not administering as prescribed
- Misdiagnosis — not true KCS (e.g., exposure keratopathy, neurogenic dry eye)
- Concurrent conditions (entropion, distichiasis) causing ongoing irritation
Solutions
- Increase frequency: Move from 3x to 5-6x daily if tolerated
- Add immunomodulator: If not already on cyclosporine/tacrolimus, initiate therapy
- Recheck diagnosis: Repeat STT, rule out other causes of ocular surface disease
- Owner education: Demonstrate proper instillation technique, assess compliance
- Address concurrent issues: Correct eyelid abnormalities if present
- Specialist referral: If no improvement after 4-6 weeks of optimized therapy
❌ Problem: Post-Op Inflammation Not Controlled
Possible Causes
- Inadequate FurrMoxi LP dosing frequency
- Severe baseline inflammation requiring stronger steroid
- Underlying infection (bacterial, fungal) not responding to moxifloxacin
- Patient rubbing/pawing at eye despite E-collar
- Immune-mediated component (uveitis, scleritis)
Solutions
- Increase FurrMoxi LP: Consider 5-6x daily short-term (under specialist guidance)
- Rule out infection: Culture if suspicious (purulent discharge, worsening despite therapy)
- Reinforce E-collar: Ensure patient cannot access eye
- Systemic therapy: Consider oral NSAIDs if severe inflammation (specialist decision)
- Specialist referral: If no improvement within 48-72 hours, or if worsening
❌ Problem: Excessive Discharge Despite Treatment
Differential Diagnosis
- Bacterial conjunctivitis (may need additional/different antimicrobial)
- Blocked nasolacrimal duct causing epiphora
- Allergic component (consider antihistamine eye drops)
- Foreign body (grass awn, hair) trapped in conjunctival fornix
- Chronic irritation from eyelid abnormality
Solutions
- Cytology/culture: Identify causative organism if bacterial suspected
- Nasolacrimal flush: Perform if duct obstruction suspected
- Thorough exam: Evert eyelids, check fornices for foreign material
- Adjust antimicrobial: May need broader spectrum or different class if FurrMoxi LP inadequate
- Address allergies: Trial of antihistamine drops or systemic allergy management
Monitoring & Follow-Up Guidelines
Recommended Recheck Schedules
Chronic KCS Management
Initial stabilization phase:
- Week 2: STT, corneal staining, adjust Vet Tears HA frequency
- Week 4-6: Assess response to immunomodulator (if prescribed)
- Month 2-3: Determine maintenance regimen
Long-term maintenance:
- Every 3-6 months: STT, corneal exam, adjust therapy as needed
Post-Operative Cases
- Day 3-5: Early post-op check (infection/inflammation assessment)
- Week 2: Taper medication check, IOP if applicable
- Week 4: Final post-op assessment
- Month 3: Long-term outcome assessment (especially for cherry eye STT)
📋 Key Parameters to Monitor
Every visit: Schirmer Tear Test, fluorescein staining, corneal clarity, discharge assessment, patient comfort (blepharospasm, rubbing)
Post-op specific: Anterior chamber reaction, IOP (if cataract surgery), surgical site healing
Owner observations: Frequency of squinting, eye rubbing, discharge, response to treatment
Professional Use & Liability Disclaimer
For Licensed Veterinary Professionals Only: The information provided on this page is intended exclusively for licensed veterinary professionals and is not a substitute for professional veterinary medical judgment or clinical guidelines from veterinary specialty organizations.
Educational Purpose: Treatment frameworks presented here are general educational resources designed to illustrate potential product integration strategies. They do not constitute clinical practice guidelines, standards of care, or veterinary medical advice.
Individualization Required: All treatment decisions must be individualized based on complete patient history, thorough physical examination, appropriate diagnostic testing, patient response to therapy, and the veterinarian's professional clinical expertise and judgment.
Specialist Consultation: Complex cases, refractory conditions, or cases requiring advanced diagnostics should be referred to board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists (ACVO Diplomates) for specialized evaluation and management.
Product Information: Always consult current product labeling, prescribing information, and package inserts for complete dosing guidelines, contraindications, warnings, and precautions. Product information may be updated periodically.
No Liability: AlcoVet Healthcare Private Limited assumes no responsibility or liability for treatment outcomes, adverse events, or clinical decisions made based on information presented on this page. Veterinarians are solely and independently responsible for all patient care decisions and treatment outcomes.
Updates: Treatment approaches evolve with emerging evidence. Veterinarians should consult current peer-reviewed literature and specialty organization guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
Educational References & Evidence Base
These sample frameworks are based on published veterinary ophthalmology literature and expert consensus. They are provided for educational purposes only. For product-specific mechanisms, complete prescribing information, and detailed references, see individual product pages.
Key Clinical References:
-
Gelatt KN, Gilger BC. Veterinary Ophthalmology, 6th ed. Wiley-Blackwell; 2021.
[Authoritative veterinary ophthalmology reference text for clinical protocols] -
Williams DL. Immunopathogenesis of keratoconjunctivitis sicca in the dog. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2008;38(2):251-268.
[Comprehensive KCS management review] -
Rezaei M, et al. Third eyelid gland removal in dogs: Short- and long-term effects on tear production. Veterinarski Arhiv. 2019;89(4):569-580.
[Evidence for 30-50% tear contribution from third eyelid gland] -
Hendrix DVH, et al. Diseases and surgery of the canine conjunctiva and nictitating membrane. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2015;45(4):797-813.
[Post-operative management guidelines for third-eyelid surgery] -
Tuli SS, et al. Corticosteroid use in corneal infection. Br J Ophthalmol. 2012;96(4):537-541.
[Evidence base for steroid contraindication in active ulceration]
For complete product-specific references (mechanism of action, pharmacology, safety studies):
View Vet Tears HA References → ·
View FurrMoxi LP References →
Condition-Specific Guides
Dry Eye (KCS) Guide · Post-Operative Care Guide · Cherry Eye Surgery Guide
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