In this report the authors describe a surgical technique of autograft of sublingual (Polistomatic portion) into the lower conjunctival fornix of two dogs with refractory KCS as an alternative way of lubrication.

The experience was done in two canine patients, a crossbred female 5 years old and a male Cocker 7 years old, with a severe bilateral KCS (bilateral Schirmer tear test: 0 mm in both animals and Break Up Time: 10 seconds). These patients showed a chronic evolution of the disease and were refractory to the conventional pharmacological treatments (Cicloporine A, Pilocarpine and Lacrimomimetics). Because of the bilateral condition and in order to compare the results it was decided to realize the surgical technique in right eyes. The postsurgical control were done on 2 and 7 days and then weekly until 3 month. Post-operative treatment included topical and systemic antibiotics.

Since the first control the viability and vitality of the autograft was confirmed. One month later, a significant improvement clinical signs was detected: a decrease of mucoid discharge, conjunctival hyperemia, keratitis and more comfort compared with the other eye. However, Schirmer tear test in the case 1 was of 5 mm and in case 2, 3mm. Break Up Time rose to 15 seconds in both patients. In the last two months it was observed an amelioration of Schirmer tear Test values, rising 7 mm in case 1 and 6 mm in case 2.

The surgery results in reported cases were encouraging but not enough to obtain statistical conclusions. These are the first approach to a research project to show that this simple technique could replace the other complex techniques such as Parotid duct transposition giving solution to a frequent and dangerous condition to vision as KCS.