Feline Eosinophilic/Proliferative Keratitis: A Retrospective Study (2016-2021)

Abstract

The medical records of 35 cats (44 eyes) with feline eosinophilic keratitis (FEK) diagnosed between 2016 and 2021 were reviewed. The mean age at the presentation of cases diagnosed with FEK was 4.12 years (3 months-13 years). Domestic shorthair was the dominant breed, accounting for 68.57% of cats (24/35). FEK was unilateral in 74.28% of the cases, and the most frequently affected position was the superotemporal quadrant of the cornea (75% of the eyes). The cytological examination of the cornea and conjunctiva showed a mixture of multiple eosinophils, plasma, and mast cells, confirming the diagnosis of FEK. Eosinophils were found in 86.36% of the corneal and conjunctival scrapings. We performed the polymerase chain reaction test for feline herpes virus type 1 in 12/35 cats. Viral DNA was detected in 20% of these cats. The cats were treated with a subconjunctival corticosteroid, a topical antibiotic-corticosteroid combination, artificial tear drops, and antiviral gel containing ganciclovir. At one to two weeks after the initial examination, the clinical signs markedly improved. The controlled and regular use of topical corticosteroids brought the lesions under control and resolved FEK without recurrence at least for six months.