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Feline Epitheliotropic Mastocytic Conjunctivitis in 15 Cats.
B Beckwith-Cohen1, R R Dubielzig2, D J Maggs3
11 Department of Vision Science, University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
Veterinary Pathology
|July 3, 2016
Summary
This study details feline epitheliotropic mastocytic conjunctivitis, a rare, benign eye condition in cats characterized by mast cell infiltration. Most affected cats showed no recurrence after treatment, suggesting a favorable prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Ophthalmology
- Mast Cell Biology
- Feline Pathology
Background:
- Mast cell infiltration is observed in various human and animal diseases.
- Conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the conjunctiva, can have diverse causes and presentations.
- Feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1) is a common ocular pathogen in cats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical and histological features of a unique proliferative conjunctivitis in cats.
- To investigate the role of feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1) in this condition.
- To determine the prognosis and potential causes of this conjunctivitis.
Main Methods:
- Histological examination of ocular specimens from 15 cats.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for FHV-1 on ocular tissues from 10 cats.
- Clinical assessment and follow-up data collection for 14 cats.
Main Results:
- A unique proliferative conjunctivitis, termed feline epitheliotropic mastocytic conjunctivitis, was identified.
- Histology revealed abundant intraepithelial and subepithelial mast cells, edema, and papillary epithelial hyperplasia.
- FHV-1 was detected in only one of the ten tested cats.
- Recurrence was not observed in 8 out of 14 cats during a median follow-up of 17.5 months.
Conclusions:
- Feline epitheliotropic mastocytic conjunctivitis is an uncommon, benign condition characterized by intraepithelial mast cells.
- The etiology remains unknown, but an allergic component is suspected.
- The prognosis is generally favorable, with most cases showing no recurrence.
