Long-term treatment outcomes and risk factors for recurrence in feline corneal sequestrum: 72 cases (2009-2017).

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate long-term treatment outcomes in feline corneal sequestrum (FCS), compare the recurrence rates between different surgical techniques, identify possible recurrence risk factors and monitor the development of FCS in the contralateral eye.

METHODS

The medical records of 72 cats (79 eyes) with FCS treated between 2009 and 2017 were retrospectively analysed.

RESULTS

The most commonly affected breeds were Persian, domestic shorthaired and Burmesecats. The mean age was 6.9 years. Sixty-five cats (90%) were affected unilaterally. Sixty-six eyes (83%) underwent surgery: keratectomy in 34 eyes (52%) and keratectomy followed by a graft procedure in 32 eyes (48%). Recurrence occurred in 13 out of 66 eyes (19%) at a median of 245 days after surgery. Skull conformation, location of the FCS, type of surgical procedure and concurrent ocular surgery did not significantly affect the recurrence rate. Eighteen cats (27%) developed FCS in the contralateral eye at a median of 635 days after surgery.

LIMITATIONS

Limitations are related to the retrospective nature of the study, the use of telephone follow-up for assessment of recurrence in some cats and the small number of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical excision had a successful outcome in most cases. The type of surgical procedure and skull conformation did not affect the recurrence rate. One-quarter of the cats developed FCS in the contralateral eye.