Chondroprotec is the ONLY polysulfated glycosaminoglycan indicated for traumatic injuries such as corneal ulcers.^4,5,6 Corneal ulcers are a very common eye injury in dogs, cats and horses.² Ulcers are usually due to some type of trauma to the eye resulting in a wound. The cause of the trauma may range from something as simple as a foreign particle, infection or abrasion on the eye to a structural abnormality of the eye such as an inability to completely close the eyelid or a lack of adequate tears.² Chondroprotec is indicated for partial and full thickness wounds.

The cornea is the outermost covering of the eye, constructed of several cell layers and is only about 2mm thick.⁷ Injuries that affect only the first layer, called the epithelium, are considered abrasions and are the easiest to treat.⁷ Just below the epithelium is the Bowman’s membrane that is a condensed layer of collagen that protects the corneal stroma. This layer consists of regularly connected collagen fibers, along with keratocytes which are the cells for general repair and maintenance. This layer consists of approximately 200 layers of Type 1 collagen fibrils. Injuries that penetrate into this membrane or the second layer, called the stroma, are considered ulcers and can cause considerable damage if left untreated.⁷

The severity of the corneal ulcer is dependent on how many layers of the cornea are involved. Superficial ulcers involve the outermost layer and usually heal within a week. Deeper ulcers can cause serious scarring, perforation of the cornea and loss of vision. Symptoms may include squinting, tearing, sensitivity to light, swelling around the eye, redness, and possibly pus-like discharge.²

Corneal ulcer can take variable amount of time to heal, from days to weeks. For more serious cases, infection becomes a concern and surgical intervention may be required. If the ulcer is left untreated, blindness may occur.

According to a study conducted by Dr. Miller at College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University, studies have suggested that Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycans (PSGAG) offers promise as a suggested treatment for corneal ulcers. A pilot study was done to evaluate treatment with PSGAG in dogs with persistent corneal erosions. Fourteen dogs were included in the study and treated with 5% PSGAG solution, 83% healed within the defined time period. Healing times ranged from one to three weeks with a mean of 1.71 weeks in responding animals. Most owners reported the animals to be improved after 48 hours of treatment.¹

Chondroprotec is a polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) that rehydrates dry wounds, maintain a moist healing environment, and protect from tissue trauma and is easy to apply.^4,5,6 Chondroprotec is a sterile 10 ml solution containing 1,000 mg of polysulfated glycosaminoglycan. Professionals in the veterinary industry may use any medication at their discretion for any condition. We have been made aware that some of these creative professionals have utilized Chondroprotec successfully for the management of corneal ulcers. We believe that Chondroprotec plays important role in corneal epithelial wound healing and has been a safe patented product for over 17 years.

References:

Miller, William W.: Using polysulfated glycosaminoglycan to treated persistent corneal erosions in dogs. Veterinary Medicine. 916-920, 1996.
Becker PhD, Karen. (2012, February 22). If Your Pet is Pawing at Her Eyes or Squinting, Corneal Ulcers Could Be the Reason. Retreived from http://healthypets.mercola.com.
Kentucky Equine Research Staff.: Corneal Ulcers in Horses. Equinews. June, 2014.
Lassus, A. Jeskahen, L., et al: Imdeen for the treatment of degenerated skin in females. Journal of Int’l Research. 19(2): 147-52.
Cooper, ML, Hansbrough, JF. Use of a composite skin graft composed of fibroblasts and a collagen-GAG matrix to cover full-thickness wounds. Surgery. Feb. 1991; 109(2): 198-207.
Breborowitz, A. , et al: Glycosaminoglycan chondroitin sulfate prevent loss of ultra filtration during peritoneal dialysis in rats. Nephron. 1994; 67(3): 346-50.
Washington State University. College of Veterinary Medicine. “Corneal Ulcers the Most Common Equine Eye Problem. “ 4 October 2014.

The Hymed Group Corporation, 1817 Apple Tree Lane Bethlehem, PA 18015
TEL: (610) 865-9876, FAX (610) 691-5930.
The information given herein is believed to be reliable. However, no guarantee is made or liability assumed. The Hymed Group Corp. does not know all of the uses to which its products may be utilized or the condition of use.Therefore,The Hymed Group Corp. makes no claims or warranty concerning the fitness or suitability of the product for a particular use or purpose other than those outlined. 10/15