PET CARE
Corneal Ulcers in Cats
What is a Corneal Ulcer?
The cornea is the clear membrane on the surface of the eyeball. The cornea has three layers. The outermost layer is known as the epithelium and is very thin. Below the epithelial layer, there is a layer known as the stroma. The stroma is the supportive layer of the cornea. The deepest layer is known as the Descemet’s membrane. All of these layers are clear so when a veterinary specialist or surgeon is looking at the eye, the membrane must be stained. A corneal ulcer is essentially a hole in the epithelial and stroma membrane.
Are There Any Breeds More Prone to Corneal Ulcers?
No, there are no feline breeds more prone to corneal ulcers.
Symptoms:
A cat with a corneal ulcer is likely to appear to have a cloudy eye. The cat may also experience:
- Excessive eye rubbing due to pain
- Excessive squinting
- Excessive blinking
- Eye discharge
Causes of Corneal Ulcers in Cats
The most common cause of a corneal ulcer is trauma. The cat may have rubbed against a rough object or been clawed in a fight. Chemical burns may also cause a corneal ulcer. If your cat’s body reacted poorly with a certain shampoo or had dust or drywall get in his eye, this could also cause a corneal ulcer.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Corneal ulcers in cats are generally not visible to the naked eye. A veterinarian will use a special stain to detect the ulcer. If your cat is found to have a corneal ulcer, surgery may be recommended to protect the eye. The surgeon will suture the third eyelid over the ulcer to protect the area from further damage and promote healing.
Consider Investing in Cat Insurance
Looking for more ways to protect your kitty? Consider investing in a cat insurance policy with MetLife Pet Insurance.1 Get your free quote today.
Protect your Pets
Nothing in this article should be construed as financial, legal or veterinary advice. Please consult your own advisors for questions relating to your and your pet’s specific circumstances.
1 Pet Insurance offered by MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, headquartered at 485 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022, and Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886, in those states where MetGen’s policies are available. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the policy administrator authorized by IAIC and MetGen to offer and administer pet insurance policies. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC was previously known as PetFirst Healthcare, LLC and in some states continues to operate under that name pending approval of its application for a name change. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, and/or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois), and such other alternate, assumed, or fictitious names approved by certain jurisdictions.
2 Provided all terms of the policy are met. Application is subject to underwriting review and approval. Like most insurance policies, insurance policies issued by IAIC and MetGen contain certain deductibles, co-insurance, exclusions, exceptions, reductions, limitations, and terms for keeping them in force. For costs, complete details of coverage and exclusions, and a listing of approved states, please contact MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC.