Restasis for the treatment of 'dry eye' in Aotus nancymaae.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This case report describes the treatment of three male owl monkeys (Aotus nancymaae) diagnosed with chronic dry eye with a topical cyclosporine product, Restasis, approved for use in humans. These owl monkeys had ocular disease resulting from procedures performed at a biotechnology company. They were moved to the Center for Neotropical Primate Research and Resources at University of South Alabama to be incorporated into the breeding colony. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Schirmer tear testing was performed initially and during the course of treatment to monitor efficacy of twice daily administered Restasis. The goals of treatment were to reduce pain and/or distress and if possible to quantitatively increase tear production. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: All animals had improvements in conjunctival inflammation and had an increase in tear production.