Corneal band keratopathy causing eye pain in a 10-month-old cat

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of presumed band keratopathy in a young cat with no known history of corneal disease who was not receiving topical phosphate-based steroids. ANIMAL STUDIED: A 10-month-old domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for severe ocular discomfort that did not improve despite the initiation of topical antibiotic treatment. METHODS: A complete ophthalmic examination and ancillary tests such as biomicroscopy and corneal cytology were performed at the time of presentation. A superficial lamellar keratectomy was excised, and the corneal button was sent for histopathology. In addition to routine hematoxylin-eosin staining, sections were stained with Gram, PAS, von Kossa, and trichrome stains. RESULTS: Biomicroscopic examination revealed an extensive corneal epithelial ulcer with a hard white plaque in the central area of the right cornea with associated superficial neovascularization. Ultrasound biomicroscopy showed a 0.63 mm, slightly hyperechoic band in the anterior corneal stroma. Corneal cytology evidenced numerous neutrophils with toxic changes and few macrophages. Histopathologic analysis excluded corneal sequestration as a differential diagnosis and confirmed superficial corneal mineralization. At the last follow-up, 16 months after surgery, corneal transparency had returned, and visual acuity was good with some corneal conjunctivalization. CONCLUSIONS: In this case report, the presumptive diagnosis is calcific band keratopathy. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first presumed case in a cat not receiving topical phosphate-based steroids and without previous corneal damage. Lamellar keratectomy represents a curative approach that successfully resolved the clinical signs, with no reported recurrence.