When the Cornea Isn’t Broken: Non-Ulcerative Keratitis Across Species

Non-ulcerative keratitis encompasses a diverse group of inflammatory corneal diseases characterized by opacity, vascularization, pigmentation, or cellular infiltration without epithelial loss. Commonly affecting dogs, cats, and horses, these conditions may arise from immune-mediated, infectious, degenerative, or environmental causes. Although often less acutely painful than ulcerative disease, non-ulcerative keratitis can lead to progressive vision impairment if left untreated. This session reviews the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of these conditions, with emphasis on species-specific considerations.