TL;DR: A corneal or scleral laceration is a critical medical emergency requiring immediate surgical intervention to prevent permanent blindness or loss of the eye. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately and provide a photo of the injury to help the clinic prioritize your cat’s treatment.
What is a corneal or scleral laceration in cats?
A deep gash on a cat's eyeball is technically known as a corneal or scleral laceration. This occurs when a sharp object, such as a claw or a thorn, penetrates the outer layers of the eye. This type of injury is extremely painful and poses a direct threat to the internal structures of the eye, often leading to the leakage of intraocular fluid or the displacement of the iris.
How urgent is a corneal or scleral laceration for my cat?
- Seek the nearest emergency veterinary clinic immediately; do not wait for a scheduled appointment.
- Understand that eye injuries progress rapidly and can lead to permanent blindness or severe infection (endophthalmitis) if not addressed within hours.
- Recognize that surgical intervention is often necessary to prevent the complete loss of the eye.
How does providing a photo of the injury help with veterinary triage?
- Allows the veterinary team to assess the depth of the wound and check for signs of ocular collapse or protruding tissue before you arrive.
- Helps the hospital prioritize your cat's care and manage the emergency queue effectively.
- Enables the clinic to prepare necessary surgical equipment or notify specialists in advance of your arrival.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Corneal lacerations, although infrequent in cats, can result from bites or trauma and may partially or totally penetrate the cornea. Signs of full-thickness lacerations include pain, blepharospasm, tearing, a corneal defect, and potential iris prolapse, often accompanied by aqueous flare, hyphema, miosis, and pupillary distortion. Diagnosis may require B-scan ultrasonography to rule out retinal detachment in cases with intraocular hemorrhage. Treatment involves topical and systemic antibiotics and corticosteroids, mydriatics if pupillary dilation is needed, and a temporary tarsorrhaphy. Prognosis is guarded due to the risk of secondary glaucoma and phthisis bulbi.
Chapter: Ophthalmology, Emergency
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1698)