Presumed calcific band keratopathy in a 10-month-old domestic shorthair cat.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a case of presumed band keratopathy in a young cat with no known history of corneal disease who was not receiving topical phosphate-based steroids.

ANIMAL STUDIED: A 10-month-old domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for severe ocular discomfort that did not improve despite the initiation of topical antibiotic treatment.

METHODS

A complete ophthalmic examination and ancillary tests such as biomicroscopy and corneal cytology were performed at the time of presentation. A superficial lamellar keratectomy was excised, and the corneal button was sent for histopathology. In addition to routine hematoxylin-eosin staining, sections were stained with Gram, PAS, von Kossa, and trichrome stains.

RESULTS

Biomicroscopic examination revealed an extensive corneal epithelial ulcer with a hard white plaque in the central area of the right cornea with associated superficial neovascularization. Ultrasound biomicroscopy showed a 0.63 mm, slightly hyperechoic band in the anterior corneal stroma. Corneal cytology evidenced numerous neutrophils with toxic changes and few macrophages. Histopathologic analysis excluded corneal sequestration as a differential diagnosis and confirmed superficial corneal mineralization. At the last follow-up, 16 months after surgery, corneal transparency had returned, and visual acuity was good with some corneal conjunctivalization.

CONCLUSIONS

In this case report, the presumptive diagnosis is calcific band keratopathy. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first presumed case in a cat not receiving topical phosphate-based steroids and without previous corneal damage. Lamellar keratectomy represents a curative approach that successfully resolved the clinical signs, with no reported recurrence.