Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Medical treatment for deep corneal ulcers in 13 cats
By Martin de Bustamante, Michelle G et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2019·1 Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Medical management of deep ulcerative keratitis in cats: 13 cases.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Thirteen cats with deep ulcerative keratitis, a serious eye condition, were treated successfully without surgery. Their treatment involved applying eye drops made from serum and antibiotics several times a day, along with pain relief medications. Some cats also received oral antibiotics. Most of the cats were hospitalized for a few days to manage their medications, and they needed multiple follow-up visits over several weeks. By the end of the treatment, all cats were comfortable, retained their eyesight, and did not need further check-ups.
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Abstract
CASE SERIES SUMMARY: Described are 13 cats diagnosed with deep ulcerative keratitis and successfully managed medically without grafting procedures. Typical treatment involved frequent topical application of serum and antibiotics (usually a fluoroquinolone and a cephalosporin). Seven cats also received systemic antibiotics. Analgesia was achieved using various combinations of topical atropine and systemic buprenorphine, robenacoxib or corticosteroids. Six cats were hospitalized for a median (range) period of 2.5 (1-8) days, typically because of frequent medication administration. Median (range) follow-up time was 41.5 (9-103) days. Median (range) number of recheck examinations was 4 (2-6). Median (range) time to corneal re-epithelialization was 21 (9-103) days. Median (range) topical antibiotic course was 29.5 (16-103) days. Median (range) duration of Elizabethan collar use was 28 (13-73) days. At the time of writing, no further recheck examinations were recommended for 10 cats; median (range) time between initial to final examinations in these cats was 35 (20-103) days. All cats retained the affected globes and were apparently comfortable and visual at the latest recheck examination. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: These cases reveal that aggressive medical management is highly successful in select cats with deep ulcerative keratitis, and can result in a cosmetically acceptable, apparently comfortable and visual globe. However, therapy is intensive with frequent administration of multiple topical and sometimes systemic medications, and requires multiple veterinary visits over many weeks. Referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist for consideration of surgical stabilization is recommended, as not all cases may be amenable to the medical therapy described here.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29767565/