Evaluation of itraconazole-dimethyl sulfoxide ointment for treatment of keratomycosis in nine horses.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of itraconazole-dimethyl sulfoxide ointment for treatment of keratomycosis in horses in the northeastern United States.

DESIGN

Prospective clinical trial.

ANIMALS

9 horses (10 affected eyes).

PROCEDURE

All horses treated for keratomycosis at Cornell University between July 1994 and July 1996 were included in the study. The diagnosis of keratomycosis was confirmed by cytologic examination, and all horses were treated with 0.25 ml of a 1% itraconazole-30% dimethyl sulfoxide petrolatum-based ointment, applied to the affected eye every 4 hours.

RESULTS

Topical application of itraconazole-dimethyl sulfoxide ointment (q 4 h) resolved keratomycosis in 8 of 10 eyes; mean duration of treatment was 34.6 days (range, 16 to 53 days).

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Results of this study indicate topical administration of itraconazole-dimethyl sulfoxide ointment may provide an additional treatment option for horses with keratomycosis.