Eye Infections
Conjunctivitis
- Fusidic Acid
- Chloramphenicol
- Chlortetracycline
Treat for 5–7 days
Cats: consider viral infection (e.g. feline herpesvirus type-1) or other ocular diseases (e.g. eyelid abnormalities) if not responding
Dogs: primary bacterial conjunctivitis uncommon. Rule out underlying ocular
diseases (e.g. keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), allergic disease, eyelid abnormalities)
Feline-specific disease:
Chlamydophila felis
- Systemic doxycycline (amoxicillin/clavulanate in pregnant queens and kittens)
Treat for 21–28 days
Mycoplasma felis
- Topical chlortetracycline
- Systemic doxycycline
Treat for 21–28 days
Uncomplicated Corneal Ulcers
- Topical chloramphenicol
Treat until the corneal ulcer has re-epithelialized
Rule out spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs)or perpetuating factors (e.g. KCS, eyelid abnormalities) if failing to heal
Complicated Corneal Ulcers & Infectious Keratitis
- Topical chloramphenicol + gentamicin
- Topical chloramphenicol + ciprofloxacin
- Topical chloramphenicol + ofloxacin
Treat until the corneal ulcer has re-epithelialised, q2-4h for first 48 hours then q6-8h
Base initial antibiotic choice on cytology and adjust if required following susceptibility testing. Consider adding topical serum/plasma
If Corneal Perforation
- Consider systemic antibiotic (amoxicillin/clavulanate)
Orbital Abscess or Bacterial Cellulitis:
- Amoxicillin/clavulanate
- Cefalexin and metronidazole
- Cefalexin and clindamycin
Treat for a minimum of 2 weeks, ideally based on susceptibility testing
Attempt drainage via most appropriate route (based on advanced imaging of the
orbit), usually via mouth (oral mucosa behind last molar)
