Objectives This study evaluated the therapeutic effects of subconjunctival injection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for treating deep corneal ulcers and corneal perforation in cats. Methods Of the 24 cats identified with a deep corneal ulcer or perforation, 17 received MSCs and medical treatment, of which six had deep corneal ulcers and 11 had corneal perforations. Of the seven cats that received only medical treatment, three cats had deep corneal ulcer and the other four cats had corneal perforation. All were monitored with fluorescein staining at 3–4 days and weekly assessments post-MSC injection until fluorescein-negative status was achieved. Results Outcomes were compared between cats treated with subconjunctival MSC injections and MSC-untreated cats. Based on the results, 88% (15/17) of the cats treated with MSCs became fluorescein-negative within 1–3 weeks, whereas 12% (2/17) of those receiving subconjunctival MSC injections achieved this outcome within 5–6 weeks. During follow-up period of 146 ± 138 days (range: 15–398 days) after MSC injection, recurrence of corneal perforations was observed in four cats which were ultimately complete healed. All deep corneal ulcers were healed uneventful. In the MSC-untreated group, 57% (4/7) achieved fluorescein-negative status within 3–7 weeks, while another 29% (2/7) experienced recurrent corneal perforation on days 3 and 58, requiring conjunctival graft surgery. Post-surgery, fluorescein-negative status was achieved 25 and 72 days after the initial treatment, respectively. One cat, 14% (1/7), had recurrent corneal perforation that had healed on day 103. Conclusions and relevance These findings highlighted the potential of MSC therapy in promoting corneal ulcer and corneal perforation healing in cats.
Sritrakoon et al. (Sun,) studied this question.