BIONATURE

Feline viral infections are a major, but often under-recognized cause of eye disease, and the eye often provides early and sometimes definitive clues to systemic illness. This review combines current knowledge on the eye-related signs of the most important feline viral pathogens, focusing on feline herpesvirus-1, feline calicivirus, feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukemia virus, feline coronavirus associated with infectious peritonitis, and feline panleukopenia virus. After describing key anatomical and functional features of the feline eye that affect how disease presents and is diagnosed, the article explains the range of viral-induced eye lesions, including conjunctivitis, keratitis, corneal sequestration, symblepharon, eosinophilic keratitis, anterior and posterior uveitis, chorioretinitis, retinal vasculitis and hemorrhage, retinal dysplasia, optic nerve involvement, and intraocular or orbital tumors. Special attention is given to clinical patterns most strongly linked with specific viruses, such as dendritic and geographic corneal ulcers in herpesvirus infection, conjunctivitis with oral ulcers in calicivirus infection, and granulomatous uveitis and retinal perivascular lesions in infectious peritonitis. The review also covers the challenges of diagnosis in cases of latent or persistent infections, frequent co-infections, and significant overlap between viral and non-viral causes of eye inflammation. Practical advice is provided on combining detailed eye exams, basic ancillary tests, and targeted viral tests into an effective diagnostic plan. Treatment options include managing the environment and stress, supportive care, topical and systemic antiviral medications, anti-inflammatory treatments for uveitis, and surgery for advanced or neoplastic conditions, all tailored to the cat’s overall health and the owner’s ability to follow intensive protocols. Finally, the review identifies important knowledge gaps and future priorities, such as the need for better clinical trials of antiviral drugs, improved interpretation of point-of-care tests in vaccinated or co-infected cats, and the development of new drug delivery systems that improve eye bioavailability and reduce dosing frequency. By compiling current evidence and highlighting clinically relevant patterns, this article aims to help veterinarians identify, diagnose, and treat viral eye diseases more effectively, ultimately safeguarding sight and enhancing quality of life for affected cats.