Keratitis, or inflammation of the cornea, is a common ophthalmological condition in animals that, if not properly treated, can affect their vision and quality of life. This disorder, frequently seen in dogs and cats, can also affect other mammals, birds, and even reptiles. Sometimes, keratitis has a primary origin (such as viral or autoimmune conditions), but most often it is secondary to issues with the eyelids (entropion, trichiasis, euryblepharon, etc.), tear secretion (dry eye), or trauma.
Keratitis can be classified in various ways depending on the chosen criteria:
Common symptoms of keratitis include:
It is very important to treat keratitis appropriately, as failure to do so can lead to loss of corneal transparency, scarring, and vision loss.
Treatment depends on the origin of the keratitis and may include anti-inflammatory eye drops, antibiotics, lubricants, or, in more complicated cases, surgery. The prognosis varies depending on the cause and the speed of treatment initiation. Ulcerative forms treated promptly generally have good outcomes, while complicated cases with scarring or pigmentation may lead to permanent vision effects.
As preventive measures, we recommend maintaining proper eye hygiene, protecting animals from prolonged exposure to sunlight or wind, regularly monitoring for systemic diseases, and undergoing periodic ophthalmic exams.
Keratitis is a common ophthalmic disease in animals that requires specialized veterinary care. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for preserving vision and improving the patient’s quality of life. Collaboration between general veterinarians and ophthalmology specialists is essential to manage the more complex cases. At IVeM, as ophthalmology specialists, we can determine the origin of keratitis and establish the appropriate treatment for each individual case.
