Companion Animals

Cat Corneal Sequestrum Welfare

Corneal sequestrum is a painful eye condition in cats causing chronic ocular pain that is often missed or undertreated.

Key Facts

Corneal sequestrum is a necrotic plaque on the cat cornea causing significant ocular pain
Persian, Himalayan, and British Shorthair cats are predisposed breeds
Clinical signs include squinting, ocular discharge, and corneal pigmentation
Surgical keratectomy removes the sequestrum and allows corneal healing
Underlying herpesvirus is often a trigger and requires concurrent management

Welfare Considerations

Corneal sequestrum causes chronic pain through the cornea - one of the most pain-sensitive tissues. Affected cats often squint and show ocular discomfort that significantly reduces quality of life. The welfare benefit of keratectomy - removing the painful sequestrum and allowing healing - is typically dramatic and rapid.

What You Can Do

Seek veterinary assessment for cats with corneal pigmentation or persistent squinting
Discuss keratectomy timing with your vet for confirmed corneal sequestrum
Manage underlying herpesvirus to prevent recurrence after surgery