Feline herpesvirus causes chronic, recurrent corneal disease in carrier cats that can lead to permanent vision damage without appropriate management.
FHV-1 corneal disease causes significant ocular pain and welfare compromise through the corneal ulceration and secondary inflammation that accompany active viral disease. Dendritic ulcers cause intense photophobia and foreign body sensation that prevents normal eye opening. Progressive disease without treatment can cause corneal scarring affecting vision. Symblepharon formation restricts normal eye movement and may cause chronic irritation. Stromal keratitis from chronic immune response to viral antigen causes deep corneal inflammation requiring systemic immunosuppressive treatment. Managing stress in carrier cats reduces reactivation frequency and thus reduces the burden of recurrent corneal disease. Antiviral medication during active episodes shortens disease duration and reduces the risk of secondary corneal damage.