Feline Conjunctival Sequestra-A Case Series

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Ophthalmology
• Feline Pathology

Background:

• Corneal sequestrum is a known feline eye condition with unclear causes.
• Conjunctival sequestrum has not been previously documented in cats.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first series of cases of conjunctival sequestrum in cats.
• To describe the clinical and histopathological features of this condition.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective search of the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin (COPLOW) database identified five cases.
• Ophthalmological examination revealed black plaques in the conjunctiva.
• Histopathology was performed on conjunctival and concurrent corneal lesions.

Main Results:

• Conjunctival lesions showed focally extensive compaction and brunescence of proprial collagen without fibroblasts.
• Three cases had overlying conjunctival ulceration.
• The appearance was similar to feline corneal sequestra, with variable inflammation and microorganisms.

Conclusions:

• This is the first case series documenting feline conjunctival sequestrum.
• Concurrent ocular abnormalities were variable, preventing a definitive cause.
• Chronic irritation and potential Feline Herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) infection are suspected etiologies.