Clinical manifestations of Florida spot keratopathy in dogs and cats: One hundred cases (2021-2024)

Purpose: This study describes the ocular findings in dogs and cats diagnosed with Florida spot keratopathy (FSK) at a single institution.

Methods: Affected animals underwent a single comprehensive ophthalmic examination, with no follow-ups conducted. Data on patient demographics and clinical findings were collected and analyzed.

Results: Based on the presence of round, white, fluorescein negative anterior stromal lesions, FSK was diagnosed in 84 dogs and 16 cats, with mean ± SD ages of 6.5 ± 3.7 and 5.9 ± 4.6 years, respectively. FSK was the presenting complaint in 18% of dogs and 12.5% of cats. Most patients had unilateral lesions, with 57% of dog eyes and 55% of cat eyes having more than three lesions per eye. Lesions varied in size (0.5-7.6 mm in dogs, pinpoint to 5 mm in cats) and were predominantly located in the central cornea of dogs, while scattered throughout the cornea of cats. Progression was reported in just 4% of dogs and 6% of cats, while transient irritation was reported in 18% of dogs and 12.5% of cats. Owners reported the presence of little fire ants (LFA) in the vicinity of 21% of dogs and 38% of cats.

Conclusions: FSK should be considered a differential diagnosis for transient ocular irritation in dogs and cats, with most lesions being non-progressive. While an association with LFA has been suggested in both animals and humans, this link remains speculative and has not been confirmed by rigorous academic research.