Cat scratch to a puppy's eye: penetrating injury
4-month-old French Bulldog scratched by the household cat 6 hours ago. It has blepharospasm, a linear corneal wound leaking aqueous humour (positive Seidel test), a shallow anterior chamber with fibrin and a suspected laceration of the anterior lens capsule.
What is the most appropriate approach?
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A. Antibiotic ointment every 8 hours and recheck in a week
Ointments are contraindicated in perforating wounds, because their vehicle can enter the eye and cause severe granulomatous uveitis. Moreover, waiting a week is unacceptable for a perforation.
B. Urgent referral to an ophthalmologist for corneal repair and assessment for lens removal; meanwhile, Elizabethan collar, broad-spectrum antibiotic drops, systemic antibiotic and analgesia
Correct. Cat claws inoculate bacteria into the eye, and if the lens capsule is ruptured, phacoclastic uveitis or intralenticular infection may follow, which can only be controlled by removing the lens promptly.
C. Topical corticosteroid to control the traumatic uveitis
With an open corneal wound and likely infection, a topical corticosteroid delays healing and promotes infection and stromal melting.
D. Place a therapeutic contact lens and discharge
A contact lens is for superficial epithelial defects, not for closing a full-thickness wound leaking aqueous humour.
lightbulb Key takeaway
Refer urgently: perforations or descemetoceles, melting ulcers, lens lacerations, hyphaema, acute glaucoma, anterior lens luxation and sudden blindness. Before referral, do not apply ointments to a perforated eye or press on the globe, and stop the animal from rubbing.
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.