Úlcera de córnea em felinos

Abstract

The cornea of ​​cats is composed of four layers: epithelium, stroma, Descemet's membrane and endothelium. Corneal ulcer occurs when there is a rupture of the epithelial layer and exposure of the stroma, and can be classified according to its etiology and depth. In cases where only the epithelium is injured, the ulcer is called superficial, and when there is a loss of part of the stromal layer, it is called deep. Descemetocele occurs when the stromal layer is completely lost and Descemet's membrane is exposed. Corneal rupture occurs when Descemet's layer is completely lost. Corneal ulcer in cats is usually caused by trauma, but bacterial and viral infections such as Herpesvirus, corneal dryness and endocrine diseases are factors that can also culminate in its appearance. The clinical signs observed in patients with some type of corneal ulcer are: blepharospasm, epiphora, photophobia, conjunctival hyperemia, corneal edema and miosis. Treatment depends on the severity of the ulceration and the primary cause, and may be clinical with the use of topical antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and 1% atropine, or surgical using one or more procedures together.