Investigation of the effects of different types of eye creams on tear secretion in cats under anesthesia

This thesis study aims to compare different eye drops applied to the eyes to prevent anesthesia-induced dry eye in cats suitable for surgery and to provide insights for future studies. The study material consisted of 12 cats brought to the Balıkesir University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Surgery Clinic and Pati Beurre Veterinary Clinic that were deemed suitable for surgery. Initially, anamnesis information was obtained from the cat owners, followed by general and ophthalmological examinations. Animals with healthy eyes were included in the study based on the examination results. The Schirmer tear test (STT) was applied to both eyes of the included cats for 2 minutes before the surgery, and the obtained data were recorded. The measured cats were then anesthetized for routine surgical procedures. Anesthesia was induced using 2 mg/kg xylazine hydrochloride, followed by 6 mg/kg ketamine after 15 minutes. Maintenance of anesthesia was achieved with 2% isoflurane in intubated cats. Following intubation, sodium hyaluronate (a sodium salt of hyaluronic acid) and dexpanthenol-containing eye drops (Bepanthol Eye) were applied to the right eye, while a carbomer-containing eye gel (Viscotears) was applied to the left eye. This study investigated the effectiveness of dexpanthenol-hyaluronic acid-containing eye drops and carbomer-containing eye gel in preventing anesthesia-related dry eye in cats undergoing routine anesthesia. As a result of the study, when intra-group time intervals were evaluated, tear secretion increased at the 15th minute after anesthesia in the eye treated with Bepanthol Eye, whereas tear secretion increased at the 30th minute in the eye treated with Viscotears. In conclusion, it can be stated that Bepanthol Eye facilitates a quicker onset of tear secretion. Additionally, further studies should be conducted using different anesthetic combinations.