Efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell therapy for treating deep corneal ulcers and corneal perforation in cats: a retrospective study

Objectives This study evaluated the therapeutic effects of subconjunctival injection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for treating deep corneal ulcers and corneal perforation in cats. Methods Of the 24 cats identified with a deep corneal ulcer or perforation, 17 received MSCs and medical treatment; among them, six had deep corneal ulcers and 11 had corneal perforations. Of the seven cats that received only medical treatment, three cats had deep corneal ulcers and four cats had corneal perforations. All were monitored with fluorescein staining at 3–4 days and weekly assessments after MSC injection until fluorescein-negative status was achieved. Results Outcomes were compared between cats treated with subconjunctival MSC injections and MSC-untreated cats. Based on the results, 15/17 (88%) cats treated with MSCs became fluorescein-negative within 1–3 weeks, whereas 2/17 (12%) of those receiving subconjunctival MSC injections achieved this outcome within 5–6 weeks. During the mean follow-up period of 146 ± 138 days (range 15–398) after MSC injection, recurrence of corneal perforations was observed in four cats that were ultimately completely healed. All deep corneal ulcers healed uneventfully. In the MSC-untreated group, 4/7 (57%) achieved fluorescein-negative status within 3–7 weeks, while another 2/7 (29%) experienced recurrent corneal perforation on days 3 and 58, requiring conjunctival graft surgery. Postoperatively, fluorescein-negative status was achieved 25 and 72 days after the initial treatment, respectively. Of the seven cats, one (14%) had recurrent corneal perforation that had healed on day 103. Conclusions and relevance These findings highlight the potential of MSC therapy in promoting corneal ulcer and corneal perforation healing in cats.