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Eosinophilic Keratoconjunctivitis in Cats.
Amber Labelle1, Philippe Labelle2
1Bright Light Veterinary Eye Care, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Small Animal Practice
|February 22, 2023
Summary
Eosinophilic keratitis in cats involves conjunctivitis and corneal plaques. Diagnosis relies on identifying eosinophils via cytology, with immunosuppressives as the primary treatment for this feline eye disease.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Feline Diseases
Background:
- Eosinophilic keratitis (EK) is a feline ocular surface disease.
- Characterized by conjunctivitis, raised plaques on cornea/conjunctiva, vascularization, and pain.
- Eosinophilic conjunctivitis is a variant without corneal involvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the key aspects of feline eosinophilic keratitis.
- To highlight diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies.
- To note the unclear role of feline herpesvirus-1 in pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Cytological examination of corneal samples is the diagnostic method of choice.
- Identification of eosinophils confirms the diagnosis.
- Concurrent presence of other inflammatory cells (lymphocytes, mast cells, neutrophils) is common.
Main Results:
- Cytology is effective in diagnosing eosinophilic keratitis.
- Eosinophils are the key diagnostic cells, though not always exclusive.
- Immunosuppressive therapy is the standard treatment approach.
Conclusions:
- Eosinophilic keratitis is diagnosed via cytology, identifying eosinophils.
- Immunosuppressives are the mainstay of treatment for feline EK.
- The pathogenesis, including the role of feline herpesvirus-1, requires further investigation.
