Compounding for feline herpetic keratitis

Feline herpetic keratitis (infectious keratoconjunctivitis), an infection of the conjunctiva and cornea that is common in cats, involves a three-pronged treatment approach: (1)antiviral therapy, (2)immunomodulatory therapy, and (3)antibacterial therapy. Since very few agents have been approved for the treatment of feline herpetic keratitis, and many of the drugs that were approved at one time for this indication can no longer be purchased, compounding pharmacists can play a vital role in the prevention and treatment of this infection. Investigators at the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science evaluated the effect of a new antiviral agent, cidofovir, for ophthalmic use in treating feline herpetic keratitis. Researchers concluded that application of cidofovir significatnly decreased the clinical signs of acute ocular infection in cats with feline herpesvirus type 1, one of the primary causes of feline herpetic keratitis. Working with veterinary ophthamologists, compounding pharmacists can develop other treatment options in patient-speciic dosages and dosage forms to ensure that treated cats have an excellent response to therapy.