Corneal Surgery in the Cat: Diseases, considerations and techniques

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Ophthalmology
• Feline Medicine
• Corneal Surgery

Background:

• Corneal diseases in cats present diagnostic challenges due to similar clinical signs.
• Accurate diagnosis and treatment are crucial for feline vision and comfort.
• Understanding surgical indications and principles is vital for successful outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide guidance for primary care clinicians on feline corneal diseases and surgical referrals.
• To outline common feline corneal conditions and surgical therapies.
• To detail appropriate instrumentation and case selection for feline corneal surgery.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive review of published literature on feline corneal diseases and surgeries.
• Inclusion of authors' experience in veterinary ophthalmology.
• Focus on decision-making for primary care veterinarians and detailed explanations for specialists.

Main Results:

• Common feline corneal diseases and their surgical management are reviewed.
• Essential instrumentation, including operating microscopes and surgical loupes, is discussed.
• Case selection criteria and potential complications are highlighted.

Conclusions:

• Effective management of feline corneal disease requires understanding surgical indications and principles.
• Specialized ophthalmic instrumentation and microsurgical expertise are often necessary.
• This review aids clinicians in decision-making for feline corneal surgery referrals.