Research Note: Ganciclovir Use in Cats with Feline Herpesvirus-1

Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) is a primary cause of painful corneal and conjunctival ulcerations in cats. Various topical ophthalmologic treatments have been assessed, and in vitro data suggest ganciclovir has superior efficacy as compared with other ophthalmologic medications. This study first confirmed the in vitro efficacy of ganciclovir for FHV-1, then evaluated the safety and tolerability of topically applied 0.15% ganciclovir eye gel (GEG) in healthy cats. No significant differences were noted between eyes treated with GEG versus a lubricating eye gel; however, both gels caused minor ocular irritation. No systemic changes were noted. Additional studies are needed to investigate the efficacy of GEG in cats with ocular clinical signs as a result of FHV-1 infection.