Presumed erlotinib‐induced bilateral corneal ulcers in a dog with lung tumor

Abstract

Objective To report the corneal toxicity of erlotinib in dogs. Animal studied A 13‐year‐old castrated male Maltese dog. Results A dog with lung cancer presented with a month‐long history of mucoid discharge and blepharospasm in both eyes. Corneal ulcerations with stromal thinning were diagnosed in both eyes, which were refractory after 2 weeks of treatment with topical antibiotics and artificial tears. The dog was orally administered erlotinib (Tarceva®) by his owner for 2 months to treat his lung cancer. Urgent withholding of erlotinib was recommended, and after 2 weeks of discontinuation, the corneal defects resolved; however, corneal thinning remained until the six‐month follow‐up. Conclusions To the best of author's knowledge, this is the first report in the veterinary literature that describes bilateral corneal ulcers associated with erlotinib administration in a dog.