Companion Animals

Cat Feline FHV Corneal Welfare

Feline herpesvirus corneal disease causes painful eye conditions including ulceration and stromal keratitis requiring specialist management.

Key Facts

FHV-1 causes dendritic corneal ulcers that are extremely painful and slow to heal
Stromal keratitis develops as an immune-mediated response to chronic FHV infection
Topical antiviral therapy including cidofovir significantly improves healing rates
Systemic famciclovir reduces viral shedding and may reduce corneal involvement severity
Recurrent corneal disease is common and requires long-term management strategies

Welfare Considerations

Cats with FHV corneal disease experience significant eye pain from ulceration and inflammation. Active antiviral treatment combined with appropriate analgesia minimizes the duration and severity of each episode.

What You Can Do

Seek prompt veterinary assessment for cats with eye discharge, squinting, or red eyes
Ensure antiviral treatment is started promptly for cats with known FHV corneal disease
Discuss long-term prevention strategies with a veterinary ophthalmologist for cats with recurrent disease