Retrospective study of compliance and persistence of topical ophthalmic medications prescribed to dogs at a veterinary teaching hospital.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate compliance and persistence of topical ophthalmic medications prescribed to dogs.

Methods: Retrospective review of medical records from dogs examined by the Ophthalmology Service at Kansas State University from April 2022 through July 2024, prescribed at least 1 topical ophthalmic medication, and returned for 1 recheck examination. Medication compliance and persistence (MCP) was reported by clients and evaluated at the client level and individual drug level. A general linear model and χ2 tests were used to analyze variables.

Results: Overall, 273 of 381 (72%) of clients administered all medications as prescribed and 496 of 592 (79%) individual medications were given as prescribed. Factors significantly associated with MCP included appointment type (P = .002), medication frequency (P = .006), recheck interval (P = .002), and recheck compliance (P = .002). Patients presented to other services had reduced odds of MCP when compared to appointments directly with the Ophthalmology Service (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.57). Odds of MCP were lower with a recheck interval > 30 days (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.15 to 0.62) and a prescribed frequency > 4 times daily (OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.12 to 0.61). Immunomodulatory and glaucoma drugs had a significantly higher MCP rate (92% P = .02 and 89% P = .04, respectively), while lubricants had a lower MCP rate (70% P = .04). Depletion of medication supply was the most common reason for non-MCP.

Conclusions: Type, frequency, and access to medication, appointment type, and recheck factors influenced MCP in this population.

Clinical relevance: Shorter recheck intervals and providing an adequate supply of medication may improve MCP of topical ophthalmic medications prescribed to dogs.