Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with lung cancer developed corneal ulcers linked to erlotinib
By Jung, Sunjun·Published in Veterinary Ophthalmology·2022·Allimals Animal Medical Center Jeonju Korea, South Korea·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: Presumed erlotinib‐induced bilateral corneal ulcers in a dog with lung tumor
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 13-year-old male Maltese with lung cancer developed eye problems, including discharge and squinting, which lasted for a month. Upon examination, the vet found corneal ulcers in both eyes that didn't improve with antibiotics and artificial tears. The dog had been taking erlotinib (Tarceva®) for his cancer, and after stopping the medication, the ulcers healed within two weeks, although some thinning of the cornea remained at the six-month check-up. This case highlights the potential eye side effects of erlotinib in dogs.
People also search for: dog eye problems · Maltese corneal ulcers treatment · erlotinib side effects in dogs
Abstract
AbstractObjectiveTo report the corneal toxicity of erlotinib in dogs.Animal studiedA 13‐year‐old castrated male Maltese dog.ResultsA dog with lung cancer presented with a month‐long history of mucoid discharge and blepharospasm in both eyes. Corneal ulcerations with stromal thinning were diagnosed in both eyes, which were refractory after 2 weeks of treatment with topical antibiotics and artificial tears. The dog was orally administered erlotinib (Tarceva®) by his owner for 2 months to treat his lung cancer. Urgent withholding of erlotinib was recommended, and after 2 weeks of discontinuation, the corneal defects resolved; however, corneal thinning remained until the six‐month follow‐up.ConclusionsTo the best of author's knowledge, this is the first report in the veterinary literature that describes bilateral corneal ulcers associated with erlotinib administration in a dog.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.1111/vop.13034