Keratitis (eye problem)

[Boss Bengal]

General information on Keratitis

Keratitis is a painful inflammation of the clear window, or cornea of a cat's eye. There are several types of Keratitis. Ulcerative Keratitis most commonly occurs from an injury to the surface of the eye. An infectious form of Ulcerative Keratitis may also be caused by the feline herpes virus. In this form, there may be signs of respiratory infection before or at the same time as eye symptoms. A unique condition occurring in Persians, Siamese, and domestic shorthair breeds is Chronic Degenerative Keratitis. The symptoms are similar to Ulcerative Keratitis, except inflamed tissue forms dark-colored plaque on the surface of the cornea. All types of Keratitis may lead to partial or total blindness in the cat's eye. Your vet should manage the care of your cat if you suspect Keratitis.
Symptoms of Keratitis

Symptoms of Keratitis may include squinting, discharge from the eye, rubbing the eye and lethargy, fever, sneezing, and nasal discharge.
View Symptoms Of Keratitis
Treatments for Keratitis

Any type of Keratitis should be treated and managed by your vet. Depending on the type of Keratitis, treatment may range from topical antibiotic solutions to antiviral eye medications, or to removal of the corneal surface.