Feline
herpetic keratitis (
infectious keratoconjunctivitis), an
infection of the conjunctiva and cornea that is common in cats, involves a three-pronged treatment approach: (1)
antiviral therapy, (2)
immunomodulatory therapy, and (3)antibacterial
therapy. Since very few agents have been approved for the treatment of feline
herpetic keratitis, and many of the drugs that were approved at one time for this indication can no longer be purchased, compounding pharmacists can play a vital role in the prevention and treatment of this
infection. Investigators at the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science evaluated the effect of a new
antiviral agent,
cidofovir, for ophthalmic use in treating feline
herpetic keratitis. Researchers concluded that application of
cidofovir significatnly decreased the clinical signs of acute
ocular infection in cats with feline herpesvirus type 1, one of the primary causes of feline
herpetic keratitis. Working with veterinary ophthamologists, compounding pharmacists can develop other treatment options in patient-speciic dosages and
dosage forms to ensure that treated cats have an excellent response to
therapy.