Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Infectious crystalline keratopathy in dogs and cats - symptoms and
By Ledbetter, Eric C et al.·Published in Veterinary ophthalmology·2017·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Infectious crystalline keratopathy in dogs and cats: clinical, in vivo confocal microscopic, histopathologic, and microbiologic features of eight cases.
Plain-English summary
Six dogs and two cats were diagnosed with infectious crystalline keratopathy (ICK), a condition that causes fine, white crystalline spots on the surface of the eye. These pets often showed signs of eye irritation, such as redness and inflammation, and many had other health issues like dry eye or diabetes. Tests revealed that bacteria were causing the crystalline deposits in the cornea. Most pets improved with long-term medical treatment or surgery, although some experienced a sudden worsening of their eye condition when treatment began.
People also search for: dog eye problems crystalline keratopathy · cat eye infection treatment · dog conjunctivitis symptoms
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical, in vivo confocal microscopic, histopathologic, and microbiologic features of canine and feline cases of infectious crystalline keratopathy (ICK). ANIMALS STUDIED: Six dogs and two cats with naturally acquired ICK. PROCEDURES: Medical records of dogs and cats with a clinical diagnosis of ICK were reviewed. Signalment, medical history, clinical findings, and diagnostic evaluations were retrieved, including corneal cytology, histopathology, in vivo confocal microscopy, and microbiology results. RESULTS: All animals presented with fine, needle-like, and branching white crystalline anterior stromal opacities emanating from corneal facets or corneal epithelial defects. Mild conjunctival hyperemia and anterior uveitis were frequently present. Concurrent ocular and systemic diseases were common, including keratoconjunctivitis sicca, corneal sequestrum, diabetes mellitus, hyperadrenocorticism, and malignant neoplasia. Bacteria, with minimal or absent leukocytes, were identified by cytology and histopathology. Histopathologically, the crystalline corneal opacities corresponded with dense accumulations of bacteria present in the interlamellar stromal spaces and forming cord-like projections within the stroma. In vivo confocal microscopy demonstrated deposits of reflective crystalline or amorphous structures within the stroma with a paucity of associated inflammatory changes. The most frequently cultured bacteria were alpha-hemolytic Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species. Resolution of clinical lesions was achieved in most cases with long-term medical or surgical therapy; however, the initiation of medical treatment was associated with an acute, dramatic onset of severe keratitis and anterior uveitis in some animals. CONCLUSIONS: Infectious crystalline keratopathy in dogs and cats shares many features with this condition in human patients. Prolonged medical therapy, or surgical intervention, is required for resolution.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27352988/