Cat Herpesvirus Ocular Disease Management

Feline herpesvirus type 1 causes recurring eye disease in cats that can lead to permanent corneal scarring and vision loss without appropriate management.

Key Facts

Feline herpesvirus type 1 infects over 97% of cats at some point in their lives
Primary infection causes upper respiratory disease; recurrent disease manifests as ocular signs
Dendritic corneal ulcers, conjunctivitis, and corneal sequestra are common manifestations
Stress and immunosuppression trigger viral reactivation and disease recurrence
Lysine supplementation is no longer recommended as evidence does not support efficacy

Welfare Considerations

Cats with active FHV-1 ocular disease experience significant discomfort from corneal pain, photophobia, and excessive tearing. Dendritic ulcers are acutely painful as the cornea has the highest density of pain nerve fibers of any tissue. Corneal sequestra - dark necrotic plaques that develop in predisposed breeds - cause chronic irritation and may require surgical removal. Cats with chronic recurrent ocular herpesvirus experience repeated painful episodes throughout their lives. Effective antiviral topical treatment and stress minimization reduce episode frequency and severity, meaningfully improving long-term welfare.

What You Can Do

Seek veterinary ophthalmic evaluation for any cat showing eye squinting, discharge, or cloudiness
Apply prescribed topical antiviral medications such as cidofovir or trifluridine to active ulcers
Minimize environmental stressors that trigger recurrence, especially in multi-cat households
Discuss referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist for severe or refractory corneal disease
Avoid unnecessary dietary lysine supplementation as it does not reduce FHV-1 recurrence