Optimum is an eye ointment for dogs.
Veterinarians recommend Optimmune eye ointment for dogs for a wide range of autoimmune diseases. In this article, we'll discuss when this medication can be used, the price of a tube in Russian veterinary pharmacies, and owner reviews of the treatment.
Content
Compound
The main active ingredient of Optimmune 0.2% ointment is cyclosporine A (2.0 mg per 1 g of ointment), a potent immunosuppressant drug that effectively suppresses the development of autoimmune cellular reactions.
Cyclosporine A is included in the list of essential drugs, as it is widely used not only in veterinary medicine, but also in the production of drugs for humans (including special ones that prevent the rejection of transplanted organs).
As additional substances, the eye ointment for dogs Optimmun 0.2% contains (per 1 g):
- 551.7 mg white soft paraffin;
- 426.3 mg corn oil;
- 20.0 mg amerchol (petrolatum + lanolin alcohol).
Important! Optimmune eye ointment for dogs is available at veterinary pharmacies without a prescription, but it is recommended to consult a veterinarian before use.
Description
Optimmune ointment for dogs is most commonly available in Russian pharmacies in 3.5-gram tubes. This amount is usually sufficient for one course of treatment.
The shade of the ointment itself can vary from completely colorless to light yellow, which are normal variants.
Important! Optimmune has a 2-year shelf life, but once opened, it must be used within 28 days. Store at a temperature not exceeding 25°C.
Indications
Optimum (cyclosporine A) is an eye ointment for dogs that has shown high efficacy in treating autoimmune-related eye diseases, including:
- IDC (idiopathic dry conjunctivitis);
- plasmatic filtration of the third eyelid and pannus.
The drug can be used to enhance the effect of topical corticosteroids prescribed to an animal, or independently. If the use of corticosteroids is contraindicated (for example, in the presence of ulcerative lesion of the cornea eyes), Optimmune may well be used instead.
Please note that the best results for SCC and pannus can be achieved with early treatment (before fibrosis of the lacrimal gland tissue has occurred). However, lifelong use of Optimmune ointment is often necessary, as studies show that stimulation of lacrimation ceases within 24 hours after discontinuing treatment. Long-term use does not increase susceptibility of the eye to microbial infections.
Contraindications
Important! Before purchasing Optimmun ointment, it's crucial to clearly determine the cause of your pet's problem, as cyclosporine A should not be used in cases of viral or fungal eye infections. The drug is also contraindicated for pregnant and lactating dogs.
As with any medication, an allergic reaction to the eye ointment may occur in rare cases. Please note that mild irritation (which resolves spontaneously over time) is considered normal. If irritation persists, or if the eye condition worsens after use, discontinue treatment with Optimmune, administer symptomatic therapy, and consult your veterinarian for alternative treatment.
Application and dosage
Optimmune ointment application algorithm:
- rinse the eye thoroughly, removing all discharge;
- place a small amount of ointment (up to 1 cm) into the conjunctival sac;
- The procedure should be repeated every 12 hours (untimely administration of the drug leads to a decrease in effectiveness).
Important! If your dog is active, fearful of the procedure, or restless, do not squeeze the contents of the tube directly into the animal's eye, as this could cause injure the cornea tip. It's best to squeeze 0.5–1 cm of ointment onto your finger (after thoroughly washing your hands) and carefully transfer it to the conjunctival sac.
The procedure itself is not painful for the dog, but it is not pleasant, so it is best to perform it with a partner who will help restrain the animal.
Increased tear production should occur within 10 days of starting treatment, although the maximum effect is possible by week 6. In cases of SCC, the effectiveness of the drug can be assessed using the Schirmer test (testing should be performed 3 hours after using Optimmune).
Side effects
Minor inflammation after initial use is considered normal and resolves without additional treatment. In rare cases, severe inflammation, eyelid swelling, and even hair loss near the application site may result from applying too much ointment. If reducing the amount of ointment used does not reduce the severity of unwanted symptoms (inflammation does not resolve within 7 days), hypersensitivity to one of the ingredients may be present, requiring a different treatment.
Price
The price of ointment in online veterinary pharmacies Optimum 0.2% varies depending on the manufacturer and the availability of promotional offers, from 2,050 to 2,465 rublesOptimmune 0.2% is produced by MSD Animal Health and Intervet.
Reviews
Reviews of the veterinary eye ointment Optimmun 0.2% are common online, and the overwhelming majority of these are positive experiences.
Victoria, Omsk, veterinarian:
Optimmun is an excellent solution for conditions such as SBS and pannus, especially with early diagnosis. Effectiveness largely depends on the owner, as the ointment must be applied every 12 hours without missing a dose. Most of my patients respond well to the treatment (I haven't had any allergic reactions to the ointment, although the instructions do mention the possibility). One tube lasts a month, even for large-breed dogs.
Konstantin, St. Petersburg, Cane Corso owner:
We are very pleased with the results of using Optimmun ointment. We had previously tried numerous different treatment regimens, but it was only when we were prescribed this ointment that we saw a noticeable improvement in our eye condition. We've been using it for over a year now, with no side effects, and a tube lasts just one month.
Svetlana, Yekaterinburg, Husky owner:
We've been treating our handsome dog with Optimumn ointment for over four years now. It's working. Before starting treatment, we were worried we'd need eye surgery, but now everything's fine. The disease hasn't progressed, and his quality of life remains high. We haven't noticed any side effects, the procedure itself is painless, and he quickly adapted to it.
Watch the video to see how to put eye drops and ointment in your dog's eyes yourself:
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