Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan
Polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) was originally developed for use in degenerative osteoarthritis but has intriguing properties for **corneal ulcer management**. * Anecdotally effective in promoting healing of indolent corneal ulcers in dogs. * Shown to be highly effective (86% healed within 3 weeks) for indolent ulcers in horses. **Clinical Pearl:** While surgical keratectomy remains the most reliable treatment for indolent ulcers, topical PSGAG offers a non-invasive adjunctive or alternative medical therapy.
Mechanism: Inhibits multiple degradative enzymes (**lysozyme**, **hyaluronidase**, and **serine proteases**) → decreases **prostaglandin E2** synthesis → reduces production of toxic superoxide radicals → increases synthesis of collagen proteoglycans and hyaluronic acid.
Dosing by species
- Indolent corneal ulcers · 1 drop of a 5% PSGAG solution in artificial tears · topical ophthalmic · TID · up to 3 weeks · 86% of eyes treated were considered healed within 3 weeks
- Indolent corneal ulcers · 1 drop of a 5% PSGAG solution in artificial tears · topical ophthalmic · TID · Anecdotal efficacy
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Routes of administration
Monitoring
- Corneal ulcer healing via fluorescein staining
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.