Cat Feline Herpesvirus Eye Complications and Treatment

Feline herpesvirus causes recurring eye disease including corneal ulcers and stromal keratitis that require targeted ophthalmological management.

Key Facts

FHV-1 is the most common cause of ocular disease in cats, including conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, and stromal keratitis
Dendritic corneal ulcers with branching, tree-like patterns are pathognomonic for FHV-1
Stromal keratitis is an immune-mediated response to chronic FHV-1 antigen in corneal stroma, causing progressive scarring
Topical antiviral medications (cidofovir, trifluridine) reduce viral replication in acute FHV-1 eye disease
Oral famciclovir has systemic antiviral activity and is increasingly used for severe or recurrent ocular FHV-1
Topical corticosteroids, while reducing immune-mediated scarring, must be used with extreme caution as they can worsen active viral disease
Herpes-associated conjunctival symblepharon (adhesions between eyelid and eyeball) is a serious complication requiring surgical correction

Welfare Considerations

FHV-1 ocular disease causes significant pain - corneal ulcers are intensely uncomfortable, and chronic stromal keratitis causes persistent visual impairment. Cats with chronic eye disease often develop behavioral changes reflecting their discomfort and reduced visual function. Antiviral treatment during acute episodes reduces duration and severity of painful corneal lesions.

What You Can Do

Seek ophthalmology consultation for any cat with recurring or unusual eye disease
Use topical antivirals as directed during acute FHV-1 flares to reduce corneal damage
Avoid topical corticosteroids in any cat with active ulceration - always confirm ulcer healing before use
Reduce stress in FHV-1-positive cats to minimize recurrence frequency
Monitor for symblepharon development in cats that have had severe conjunctivitis