Corneal Ulcers in Cats: A Vet’s 2025 Guide to Diagnosis & Healing 😺👁️
By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc
🔍 What Are Corneal Ulcers?
A corneal ulcer (ulcerative keratitis) is a loss of corneal epithelium—and possibly deeper stroma—due to trauma, infection, or disease :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
⚠️ Causes & Risk Factors
- Trauma: scratches, foreign bodies, rubbing, chemical exposure :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
- FHV‑1 infection: dendritic ulcers, delayed healing :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
- Bacterial or fungal invasion: especially in deeper or melting ulcers :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
- Dry eye, eyelid disease, metabolic issues: keratoconjunctivitis sicca, entropion, systemic illness :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
🚩 Signs to Look For
- Squinting, blinking, blepharospasm, photophobia :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
- Tearing, discharge, redness, cloudy cornea, eye rubbing :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
- Painful deep ulcers may cause ulcer crater or vascularisation :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
🔬 Diagnostic Approach
- Ocular exam & history: trauma or illness triggers :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
- Fluorescein stain: identifies epithelial defects, depth of ulcer :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
- Schirmer tear test & tonometry: check tear production and intraocular pressure :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
- Cytology/Culture: in deep or infected ulcers to guide antibiotics :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
🛠️ Treatment & Management
1. Medical Therapy
- Topical antibiotics: essential even in superficial ulcers :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
- Antivirals: topical (cidofovir, idoxuridine) or oral for FHV‑1; L‑lysine use is controversial :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
- Pain relief: atropine drops for ciliary spasm, oral analgesics as needed :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
- Serum drops: autologous serum promotes healing in deep ulcers :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
- Collagenase inhibitors: e.g. acetylcysteine in melting ulcers :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
2. Prevent Self-Trauma
- Elizabethan collar until healed :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
3. Surgical Intervention
- Conjunctival grafts/flaps: for deep or non-healing ulcers :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
- Soft contact lenses: protect epithelium in superficial or melting ulcers :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
🏡 Home Care & Ongoing Support
- Administer drops and meds on schedule—use **Ask A Vet** for reminders.
- Clean eyes gently with saline; ensure comfy, low‑dust areas with **Woopf** & **Purrz** bedding.
- Avoid irritants (smoke, fragrances); keep cat indoors to reduce re-injury.
- Monitor healing, pain, appetite and behavior; report worsening or no improvement.
📅 Prognosis & Follow-Up
- Superficial ulcers: typically heal in 7–10 days with treatment :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
- Deep or melting ulcers: require close follow-up and possible surgery; risk of scarring or perforation :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.
- FHV‑1 cases: prone to recurrence; stress management, hygiene, and antivirals help :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.
- Regular rechecks until full epithelial closure; advanced imaging or specialist referral if needed.
📝 Quick Reference Table
| Aspect | Summary |
|---|---|
| Cause | Trauma, FHV‑1, infection, dry eye |
| Signs | Pain, tearing, squinting, cloudiness |
| Diagnosis | Exam, fluorescein, tear/pressure tests, cytology |
| Treatment | Topical meds, pain control, collars, serum, surgery |
| Home Care | Drop schedules, clean environment, collar use |
| Prognosis | Good if treated early; advanced ulcers need close care |
🐾 Corneal ulcers in cats are common emergencies—early diagnosis, proper treatment, and diligent care help preserve vision and comfort. Support healing with **Ask A Vet** guidance, and create soft, low-irritant spaces with **Woopf** & **Purrz**. Your cat’s eyes will thank you! ❤️
📢 Always follow veterinary instructions carefully; eye conditions can escalate rapidly—don’t delay care.
© 2025 AskAVet.com
Know how they are, wherever they are
The ASK A VET™ Tracker logs live location and activity trends, so a change in routine never goes unnoticed.
About the author
Dr Duncan Houston
Veterinarian · Founder of ASK A VET
Every ASK A VET article is written and reviewed by qualified veterinarians.
