Corneal Ulcers (Ulcerative Keratitis) in Cats

Ulcerative keratitis is a painful condition that can potentially lead to blindness or loss of the eye.

Rapid veterinary intervention is necessary to fully evaluate the severity of the ulcer, determine the treatment plan, and determine if any underlying conditions are present.

Symptoms vary depending on the depth and size of the ulcer, as well as its cause. If an ulcer is not healing on its own, a more aggressive treatment plan is necessary.

Stray cats are at higher risk of ulcerative keratitis because they often get into fights and the possibility of scratching the cornea is high. Feral cats are also less likely to be vaccinated against infectious diseases like herpesvirus and more likely to be exposed, so they’re at higher overall risk for corneal ulcers as a result.

Corneal ulcer is a non life-threatening condition but requires prompt medical attention as the symptoms might become progressively more severe if ignored. Mild cases may heal quickly without treatment, but severe cases are difficult to treat and often require several surgeries.

There are many potential causes of corneal eye ulcers. Corneal ulceration is usually caused by injury such as a cat scratch during a fight, dirt embedded in the eye, or a sharp foreign object coming in contact with the cornea.

Ulcerative keratitis can often be managed by a primary care veterinarian. Referral to an ophthalmologist is not always necessary but it’s strongly suggested, especially for complicated cases.

The diagnostic process involves a complete physical and ophthalmic examination, including blood testing to detect other associated conditions. Specific ophthalmologic tests include:

• Fluorescein dye is used to visualize the damaged corneal epithelium. Other ophthalmologic tests include:
• Schirmer tear test
• Blinking and reflex examination
• Analysis of samples from the cornea under the microscope

Treatment depends on the severity of the ulcer and the underlying cause. Options range from antibiotic drops to surgery in more severe cases. Prognosis largely depends on the size and depth of the ulceration.

Mild cases, such as small, superficial ulceration, usually heal in about a week. Chronic ulcers are much more difficult to treat and may require several treatments or surgery and take weeks to heal.

Frequent rechecks are recommended to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and determine if more aggressive therapy is needed.

Home care to avoid recurrence during treatment includes lubricating ointments that prevent the eye from drying and cleaning eye drainage so it doesn’t accumulate on the face.

Preventive measures include keeping cats and kittens indoors and up to date on vaccinations, since most feline corneal ulcers are the result of feline herpesvirus and fighting.

Using care with shampoos or any other chemicals that might damage the cornea also helps prevent ulcers.

Ulcerative keratitis is common in cats.

• Antibiotic eye drops
• Surgery
• Specific medications for the underlying cause
• Lubricating eye drops