Clinical Outcomes of Autologous Serum Eye Drops in Treating Corneal Ulceration in a Domestic Cat: A Case Base Study

Rahmi Eka Putri; Mulkiah Hilmi; Ulfa Rahmi; Rumi Sahara Zamzami; Etriwati Etriwati; Erwin Erwin; Sugito Sugito; Nada Yulian Syah; Riyan Ferdian; Wahyu Eka Sari; Jessica Anggun Safitri

doi:10.21157/j.med.vet..v19i2.46171

Clinical Outcomes of Autologous Serum Eye Drops in Treating Corneal Ulceration in a Domestic Cat: A Case Base Study

Rahmi Eka Putri, Mulkiah Hilmi, Ulfa Rahmi, Rumi Sahara Zamzami, Etriwati Etriwati, Erwin Erwin, Sugito Sugito, Nada Yulian Syah, Riyan Ferdian, Wahyu Eka Sari, Jessica Anggun Safitri

Abstract

Corneal ulceration is a frequent ophthalmic disorder in domestic cats that can cause ocular discomfort, visual impairment, and serious complications if left untreated. Conventional medical management often provides limited support for epithelial regeneration, leading to the need for alternative therapeutic options. This case study reports the clinical outcome of using autologous serum eye drops (ASEDs) in the treatment of corneal ulceration in a domestic cat. A cat presented with severe epiphora, conjunctival hyperemia, and a centrally located corneal ulcer confirmed by fluorescein staining. Autologous serum was prepared by weekly collection of 6 mL of blood from the dorsalis antebrachii vein, followed by centrifugation and aliquoting into sterile eye drop bottles stored at 4 °C. The serum was applied topically twice daily, accompanied by supportive therapy consisting of vitamin A supplementation, multivitamin injections, and an Elizabethan collar to prevent self-trauma. Clinical scoring (0–3) was used to monitor epiphora, conjunctival hyperemia, and corneal opacity over the treatment period. Marked improvement was observed within 14 days: epiphora and conjunctival hyperemia resolved completely, while corneal opacity improved from moderate to mild, with fluorescein staining becoming negative, indicating complete epithelial closure. No adverse effects were recorded during therapy. This case highlights the potential of autologous serum eye drops as a safe and effective adjunct treatment for feline corneal ulceration, warranting further investigation in larger cohorts to establish standardized protocols for veterinary ophthalmology

Keywords

autologous serum; corneal ulceration; feline ophthalmology; serum eye drops

Full Text:

PDF

References

Belknap, E.B. (2015). Corneal Emergencies. Top Companion Anim Med. 30(3),74-80.

Duncan, S. G. (2019). Diagnosis and treatment of corneal ulceration. The NAVTA JOURNAL, 10-18.

Farghali, H. A., Abd El Kader, N. A., AbuBakr, H. O., Ramadan, E. S., Khattab, M. S., Salem, N. Y., and Emam, I. A. (2021). Corneal Ulcer in Dogs and Cats: Novel Clinical Application of Regenerative Therapy Using Subconjunctival Injection of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 18(8).

Gadallah SM, Misk TN, Ghaith A, Reda E, and Anis A. (2021). Compare The Efficacy of Corneal Healing Between Autologous Serum and Eye Drops Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment in Dogs. Journal of Current Veterinary Research, 3,39.

Guna, I.,P.,S.,A, Soma, I.,G., Suartha, I.N., and Juliarta, I.G.E.. (2023). Treatment Of Unilateral Ulcerative Keratitis In Local Cats By Combination Therapy With Autologous Eye Drop Serum Immunotherapy. Vet. Sci. Med. J. 5(10),303-309

Hartley, C. (2010). Feline corneal sequestra: a review of the clinical findings, aetiology and treatment options. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 12(5), 366–378.

Kartini C, Efendi, A, Herlina, and Putra, MA. (2017). Catatan Dokter Hewan Pemeriksaan Fisik pada Mata, Telinga, Kardiorespirasi dan Saluran Pencernaan. IPB Press. Bogor.

Kern, T.J. (1990). Ulcerative keratitis. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 20(3),643-66.

Kim, J. Y., and Won, H. J. (2008). Corneal ulcer in the dog: Diagnosis and management. Journal of Applied Research in Veterinary Medicine, 7(1), 27–32.

Kim, E. C., Kim, M. S., and Kim, J. Y. (2018). Clinical

results of autologous serum eye drops for the treatment of feline herpetic keratitis. Journal of Applied Research in Veterinary Medicine, 16(3), 201–208.

Kyol-Salman, I. (2006). Effects of autologous serum eye drops on corneal wound healing after superficial keratectomy in rabbits. Cornea, 25(10), 1178-1181.

Lonascu,I., and Serlp, U. (2020). A New Eye Drop Formulation Used In The Management Of Corneal Ulcers In Dogs And Cats. AgroLife Scientific Journa,l 9(1):164-171

Quan, N. G., Li, T., and Leslie, L. (2023). Autologous Serum Eye Drops for Dry Eye: Systematic Review. Optometry and Vision Science, 100(8), 564–571.

SeEun, K., MiKyung, L., and Seo KangMoon. (2018). Clinical application of serum eye drops for herpetic keratitis in cats: a pilot study. The Journal of Applied Research in Veterinary Medicine, 16(3), 221–225.

Telle, M.R., and Betbeze, C. (2022). Corneal Surgery in the Cat: Diseases, considerations and techniques. J Feline Med Surg. 24(5),429-441.

Vatnikov, Y. A., Erin, I. S., Suleimanov, S. M., Kulikov, E. V., Seleznev, S. B., Lutsay, V. I., Popova, I. A., Strizhakov, A. A., and Vilkovy, I. F. (2020). Effect of Autologous Plasma Treatment on the Cornea Regeneration with Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca in Dogs. Journal of Animal Health and Production, 8(1).

William, Goulart, V., Garcia, J., Aurélio, M., Nai, G. A., Cecília Laposy Santarém, and Andrade, S. F. (2025). Injectable homologous platelet-rich plasma, alone or in combination with oral omega-3 supplementation, for treating keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs. Veterinary World, 18(5), 1262–1273.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21157/j.med.vet..v19i2.46171