Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Aetiology of corneal ulcers assume FHV-1 unless proven otherwise.
- Journal:
- Journal of feline medicine and surgery
- Year:
- 2010
- Authors:
- Hartley, Claudia
- Affiliation:
- Animal Health Trust · United Kingdom
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Feline ulcerative keratitis, which is a type of eye problem in cats that involves painful sores on the cornea, is often linked to an infection with feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1). This means that if your cat has a corneal ulcer, it's usually safe to assume that FHV-1 is the cause unless tests show otherwise. Other reasons for these ulcers can include injuries, issues with the eyelids, or problems with tear production. Treating corneal ulcers can be tricky, as each cat may need a different approach based on their specific situation. Overall, the article emphasizes that FHV-1 is a common cause of these eye issues in cats, and understanding this can help guide treatment.
Abstract
OVERVIEW: Feline ulcerative keratitis is a common presenting complaint and is frequently a sequela of feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1) infection; so much so, in fact, that it is fair to assume an FHV-1 aetiology until proven otherwise. Other potential causes of ulceration are trauma or underlying eyelid abnormalities (entropion, ectropion, agenesis, dermoids, neoplasia), lash abnormalities (ectopic cilia, trichiasis), tear film abnormalities or neurological deficiencies (trigeminal nerve paralysis, facial nerve paralysis). CLINICAL CHALLENGES: The management of corneal ulceration in cats is frequently challenging, and treatment needs to be tailored carefully to the individual cat, its temperament, and the disease process present. EVIDENCE BASE: The scientific literature on feline ulcerative keratitis is extensive, particularly that related to FHV-1 infection. The aim of this article is to review the aetiology and diagnosis of corneal ulceration in cats with particular reference to the evidence base available. PATIENT GROUP: All age groups and breeds can suffer with ulcerative keratitis. Breed predispositions are present for some forms of corneal ulceration, and these are discussed.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20123484/