Recurrent vs. Nonrecurrent Superficial Non-Healing Corneal Ulcers in Cats: A Multifactorial Retrospective Analysis
Feline superficial non-healing corneal ulcers are persistent lesions requiring individualized treatment to reduce recurrence. This retrospective study evaluated 136 affected eyes (113 nonrecurrent; 23 recurrent) to identify clinical and treatment-related factors associated with recurrence. Recurrent...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Animals |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/14/2104 |
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| Summary: | Feline superficial non-healing corneal ulcers are persistent lesions requiring individualized treatment to reduce recurrence. This retrospective study evaluated 136 affected eyes (113 nonrecurrent; 23 recurrent) to identify clinical and treatment-related factors associated with recurrence. Recurrent ulcers were more common in older cats (7.2 ± 4.3 vs. 5.1 ± 4.6 years; <i>p</i> = 0.026). Domestic Shorthairs were the most frequently affected breed (50%), and central ulcer location predominated in both groups. Recurrent cases required more intensive management, with 16.9% needing ≥ 2 treatment courses, compared to 83% of nonrecurrent cases resolving after a single course. Healing time following corneal debridement was longer in recurrent cases (32.3 ± 34.4 vs. 25.5 ± 23.1 days; <i>p</i> = 0.272), and corneal sequestrum occurred more frequently (13.0% vs. 10.6%; <i>p</i> = 0.735). Corneal debridement was the primary treatment modality. Systemic medications were more often used in recurrent cases, notably oral lysine (47.8% vs. 26.5%; <i>p</i> = 0.049) and famciclovir (17.4% vs. 2.6%; <i>p</i> = 0.016). Recurrent cases also showed significantly higher rates of concurrent viral (<i>p</i> < 0.001) and bacterial/fungal infections (<i>p</i> = 0.027). In conclusion, recurrent superficial non-healing corneal ulcers were associated with age and systemic illness, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and management of underlying conditions. |
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| ISSN: | 2076-2615 |