Clinical manifestations of Florida spot keratopathy in dogs and cats: One hundred cases (2021-2024).

PURPOSE: This study describes the ocular findings in dogs and cats diagnosed with Florida spot keratopathy (FSK) at a single institution.

METHODS

Affected animals underwent a single comprehensive ophthalmic examination, with no follow-ups conducted. Data on patient demographics and clinical findings were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Based on the presence of round, white, fluorescein negative anterior stromal lesions, FSK was diagnosed in 84 dogs and 16 cats, with mean ± SD ages of 6.5 ± 3.7 and 5.9 ± 4.6 years, respectively. FSK was the presenting complaint in 18% of dogs and 12.5% of cats. Most patients had unilateral lesions, with 57% of dog eyes and 55% of cat eyes having more than three lesions per eye. Lesions varied in size (0.5-7.6 mm in dogs, pinpoint to 5 mm in cats) and were predominantly located in the central cornea of dogs, while scattered throughout the cornea of cats. Progression was reported in just 4% of dogs and 6% of cats, while transient irritation was reported in 18% of dogs and 12.5% of cats. Owners reported the presence of little fire ants (LFA) in the vicinity of 21% of dogs and 38% of cats.

CONCLUSIONS

FSK should be considered a differential diagnosis for transient ocular irritation in dogs and cats, with most lesions being non-progressive. While an association with LFA has been suggested in both animals and humans, this link remains speculative and has not been confirmed by rigorous academic research.