Ulcerative Keratitis

What is Ulcerative Keratitis??
Ulcerative Keratitis is the inflammation of the cornea, the transparent part of the eye. Corneal ulcers or erosions may be present. Corneal ulcers are classified as superficial or deep.

How does my cat get Ulcerative Keratitis???
There are many causes of Ulcerative Keratitis: possibly breed predilections, eye injury, eyelid diseases, tear deficiency, herpesvirus, chemical burns and foreign body presence.

How do I know if my cat has Ulcerative Keratitis???
Common signs include redness, squinting, pawing at the eyes, tearing and light sensitivity for both acute and chronic types of Ulcerative Keratitis. In addition, the third eyelid is more visible and a film appears over the eyes. For an accurate diagnosis, your veterinarian will do an eye exam, including performing ophthalmic stains to assess the amount of corneal damage and tear tests to look for tear production abnormalities. It may be necessary to have a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist perform more tests such as cytology (corneal scraping to look for microorganisms).

What can I do about Ulcerative Keratitis???
Treatment depends on the severity of the damage to the cornea. It can range from eye drops and/or ointments to a variety of surgical procedures. Ulcerative keratitis is a vision threatening condition that requires re-evaluation until cured. Failure to treat completely or appropriately may cause the ulcer to get deeper and deeper leading to possible rupture of the eye. The underlying cause, such as herpesvirus, should be identified in an effort to prevent further recurrence.

Is there anything I can do to prevent my cat from getting Ulcerative Keratitis?
Keep your cat away from harmful chemicals in your home and up to date on vaccinations to reduce his risk for upper respiratory conditions.

Are there certain breeds that get Ulcerative Keratitis more often?
This condition can affect any cat of any age, sex, breed or mixed breed.