The study identifies Florida spot keratopathy (FSK) as a relatively benign eye condition affecting dogs and cats, characterized by white spots on the cornea. While Florida spot keratopathy (FSK) has been documented, this study offers new insights by presenting a large dataset of 100 recent cases (2021-2024), providing a clearer picture of its prevalence and clinical characteristics. It confirms that the condition is typically stable, with minimal progression, and does not significantly affect vision or quality of life, offering reassurance for veterinarians and pet owners. The study also highlights that some animals show signs of eye irritation, such as increased rubbing or blinking, which had not been widely recognized before. Most notably, it suggests a potential link between FSK and exposure to little fire ants, an environmental factor that has not been fully explored or scientifically proven in earlier research.
Link to pictures: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1pyE-ucn9iaqeLA2uCVqJiu2_fz3RTWoH
A new study from the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine at Hebrew University has brought new insights into Florida spot keratopathy (FSK), an eye condition that affects both dogs and cats. Led by Dr. Oren Pe'er and published in Veterinary Ophthalmology, the research analyzed 100 cases diagnosed between 2021 and 2024.
FSK is characterized by the formation of white, round spots on the cornea—the clear front surface of the eye. These spots do not absorb fluorescein dye, a common diagnostic tool for detecting corneal damage. While the lesions generally do not worsen over time, they can cause temporary irritation in some cases.
The study included 84 dogs and 16 cats, with the average age of affected dogs being 6.5 years and cats averaging 5.9 years. Most cases involved only one eye, although more than half of the animals had multiple spots in the affected eye.
What Are the Effects of FSK? The spots varied in size, from tiny pinpoint lesions to larger spots measuring up to 7.6 mm in dogs and 5 mm in cats. In dogs, the spots were typically centered in the eye, while in cats, they appeared more scattered across the cornea. Only 4% of dogs and 6% of cats showed signs of the condition worsening over time.
Additionally, about 18% of dogs and 12.5% of cats exhibited signs of eye irritation, such as excessive rubbing or blinking.
Could Fire Ants Be a Factor?
An interesting finding from the study is that owners of 21% of affected dogs and 38% of affected cats reported seeing little fire ants (LFA) near their homes. While some prior studies have suggested a potential link between LFA exposure and FSK, no scientific proof has yet been established.
“FSK is an eye condition that pet owners and veterinarians should be aware of, but fortunately, it rarely leads to serious complications,” said Dr. Pe'er. “In most cases, the condition remains stable and does not significantly impact a pet’s vision or overall well-being.”
While Florida spot keratopathy (FSK) is relatively benign, the study is important because it raises awareness of a condition that veterinarians and pet owners may not be familiar with, ensuring that it is correctly diagnosed and managed. Recognizing FSK can help prevent unnecessary treatments or anxiety for pet owners, while also prompting further research into potential environmental factors, such as fire ants, that may influence its development. Understanding the condition better can improve care and provide valuable insights into pet health and well-being.
This research offers valuable insights for veterinarians to recognize and diagnose FSK, ensuring that affected pets receive the best possible care. However, further studies are needed to explore potential environmental factors, including the possible role of little fire ants, in the development of the condition.
Figure 1: Florida spot keratopathy in four dogs. (A) A 9-year-old mixed breed with five paracentral lesions. (B) A 7-year-old Labrador retriever with one dorsal lesion. (C) An 8-year-old mixed breed with multifocal, coalescing lesions. (D) A 12-year-old mixed breed with multifocal coalescing lesions.
Figure 2: Florida spot keratopathy in four cats. (A) A 10-year-old DSH with four coalescing, paracentral lesions. (B) A 2.5-year-old DSH with four coalescing, ventral lesions. (C) A 5-year-old DSH with multifocal coalescing lesions. (D) A 10-year-old DSH with multifocal lesions.
Figure 3: Florida spot keratopathy (FSK) in dogs and cats with concurrent eye disease. (A) A 9-year-old mixed breed dog diagnosed with subconjunctival hemorrhage, mild uveitis, and multifocal, coalescing FSK lesions. (B) A 6-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with multifocal FSK lesions post cataract surgery. (C) A 10-year-old DSH cat post debulking and photodynamic therapy due to lower eyelid squamous cell carcinoma, with multifocal FSK lesions. (D) A 14-year-old DSH cat diagnosed with anterior lens luxation, an axial descemetocele and multifocal coalescing FSK lesions.
The research paper titled “Clinical manifestations of Florida spot keratopathy in dogs and cats: One hundred cases (2021–2024)” has been published in Veterinary Ophthalmology and can be found at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/vop.13311
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/vop.13311
Researchers:
Oren Pe’er, K.W. Handel, D. Arad, L. Sebbag, R. Ofri
Institutions:
Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem