Treatment of cats with ocular disease attributable to herpesvirus infection: 17 cases (1983-1993)

Abstract

Medical records of 17 cats with ocular disease attributable to herpesvirus infection were reviewed. Herpesvirus infection was confirmed by a positive result on an immunofluorescent antibody test or by detection of dendritic corneal ulcers. Cats were 3 months to 23 years old (mean, 4.8 years). Sex or breed predilections were not evident. Vaccination history was available for 13 cats, 9 of which had been adequately vaccinated against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calici, and panleukopenia viruses. Six cats had a history of respiratory tract disease. Twelve cats were tested for FeLV, and 3 had positive results; 7 cats were tested for feline immunodeficiency virus, with 1 positive result. The most common ocular abnormality seen was conjunctivitis (13/17 cats), followed by dendritic corneal ulcers (10/17 cats). Keratitis was detected in 6 of 17 cats, and nondendritic corneal ulcers in 3 of 17 cats. Corneal sequestra were evident on initial examination or developed during the follow-up period in 4 of 17 cats. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca was diagnosed in 2 of 17 cats, and anterior uveitis was evident in 1 of 17 cats. All cats had 2 or more clinical ocular abnormalities associated with herpesvirus infection. Treatment with topically applied antiviral medications was instituted in 14 cats, including idoxuridine in 7, vidarabine in 4, and trifluridine in 3. Antibiotics were used topically in 10 cats, and atropine was used in 3 cats. Topical administration of corticosteroids was used in 2 cats. Recombinant human α-interferon was given orally to 3 cats in conjunction with topical administration of antiviral agents. In addition to medical treatment, 4 cats were treated surgically. The 17 cats were reexamined 1 to 9 times (mean, 3 reexaminations). Follow-up monitoring (reexamination) was performed between 1 week and 3 years after initial treatment. Ocular disease resolved in 3 of 17 cats, 8 had clinical improvement, and 6 did not have improvement or became worse. A specific antiviral treatment regimen that was clinically superior to other treatments could not be identified.