Eosinophilic Keratoconjunctivitis in Cats

Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2023 Mar;53(2):353-365. doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.10.001.

Abstract

Eosinophilic keratitis is a disease of the feline ocular surface. It is characterized by conjunctivitis, white to pink raised plaques on the corneal and conjunctival surfaces, corneal vascularization, and variable ocular pain. Cytology is the diagnostic test of choice. Identification of eosinophils in a corneal cytology sample usually confirms the diagnosis, although lymphocytes, mast cells, and neutrophils are often present concurrently. Immunosuppressives are the mainstay of therapy, topically or systemically. The role of feline herpesvirus-1 in the pathogenesis of eosinophilic keratoconjunctivitis (EK) remains unclear. Eosinophilic conjunctivitis is a less common manifestation of EK and presents as severe conjunctivitis without corneal involvement.

Keywords: Cat; Conjunctivitis; Cornea; Eosinophil; Eosinophilic; Feline; Keratitis; Keratoconjunctivitis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cat Diseases* / pathology
  • Cats
  • Conjunctivitis* / diagnosis
  • Conjunctivitis* / pathology
  • Conjunctivitis* / veterinary
  • Cornea / pathology
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Keratoconjunctivitis* / pathology
  • Keratoconjunctivitis* / veterinary

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents