We are glad to share a vet case study captured by QuikVue eye imaging adaptor from Dr Vet Viroux.
🩺 The clinical examination is normal.
👁️ The ophthalmic exam reveals slight bilateral bulbar hyperemia with mild blepharospasm, no chemosis, and a superficial ulcer on the left, confirmed with fluorescein testing. A dendritic ulcer on the right, a few millimeters in the center of the cornea, is also highlighted by fluorescein. The rest of the exam is normal.
🦠 Given the clinical presentation and absence of other causes, a Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1) infection is strongly suspected.
📍 Diagnosis: Metaherpetic ulcerative keratitis.
💊 A topical treatment combining an antibiotic and antiviral is initiated, to be continued for at least two weeks after the resolution of clinical signs.
📝 The rare but typical dendritic form results from the virus migrating along the corneal nerves. The infection weakens the corneal epithelium, causing it to detach in patches, creating a geographical appearance. A poorly adherent corneal epithelium may need debridement due to its viral load. Care should be taken not to perform keratotomy in cats, as this can lead to secondary sequestrum. PCR diagnostic tests often yield disappointing results with many false negatives.
