Serum Eye Drops for Canine Corneal Disease: A Systematic Review of Epithelial Repair and Clinical Outcomes.

Serum eye drops are safe but not proven superior to conventional corneal therapy.

This systematic review evaluated serum eye drops for treating canine corneal disease by analyzing six canine clinical studies, three noncanine clinical reports, and six experimental investigations. Serum formulations—including autologous, homologous, and xenogeneic preparations—demonstrated consistent safety and biocompatibility while supporting corneal epithelial healing. However, controlled clinical trials in dogs failed to establish superiority over conventional medical therapy. Evidence quality ranged from Level 2 to Level 5, limited by small sample sizes and methodological heterogeneity. Experimental studies in rabbits and rodents identified beneficial mechanisms including antiapoptotic and antiprotease activities from serum components such as albumin, fibronectin, and growth factors. While serum eye drops represent a safe, biocompatible adjunctive option for corneal surface disease management, they are not proven superior to standard therapy. Clinical benefits likely vary by disease type and severity. The authors recommend rigorous, randomized, independently assessed, standardized studies to establish optimal preparation protocols, dosing concentrations, clinical indications, and antimicrobial stewardship considerations.

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