Feline Eosinophilic Keratitis

March 23, 2009

Spiess, A. K., J. S. Sapienza, et al. (2009). “Treatment of proliferative feline eosinophilic keratitis with topical 1.5% cyclosporine: 35 cases.” Vet Ophthalmol 12(2): 132-7.

Eosinophilic keratitis is a progressive corneal disease seen in cats of any age. While the etiology is unknown, an immune-mediated response to feline herpesvirus is a suspected cause. The disease is unilateral in up to 75% of cases. The lesions are typically raised, irregular, white to pink masses. Scrapings of the lesions contain eosinophils, mast cells, and mixed inflammatory cells. Treatment is with topical corticosteroids, although some cases become refractory. Relapse is common if treatment is discontinued. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of topical cyclosporine for feline eosinophilic keratitis. The disease was diagnosed by clinical appearance and corneal cytology in 35 cats. The mean age of affected cats was 6 years. Topical cyclosporine was administered either two or three times daily. The minimum follow up period was 5 months. Improvement was seen in 89% of cats. Recurrence was seen in 23% of cases. The researchers conclude that topical cyclosporine is an effective treatment for the majority of cats with eosinophilic keratitis, and that chronic, often life-long therapy is recommended. [SL]
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Related articles:
Andrew, S. E. (2008). “Immune-mediated canine and feline keratitis.” The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice 38(2): 269-290.
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Moore, P. A. (2005). “Feline corneal disease.” Clin Tech Small Anim Pract 20(2): 83-93.
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