A corneal sequestrum is an area of stromal corneal necrosis, usually occurring in the center of the cornea. This condition mainly affects purebred cats (e.g. Persian, British Shorthair, Burmese) but may also be seen in Domestic Shorthair cats, particularly with chronic corneal ulcerations or eyelid abnormalities. Among other predisposing factors, such as prominent globes, poor tearfilm quality, mechanical irritation due to entropium and decreased corneal sensation, a previous or concurrent infection with Feline Herpesvirus has been linked to sequestrum formations in some research studies. A corneal sequestrum is easily detected as a brown/dark brown or black spot on the cornea, which causes ongoing discomfort and a significant corneal reaction in the cornea with cloudiness and blood vessel ingrowth. In very rare circumstances a corneal sequestrum may slough off the corneal surface, but in most cases corneal surgery and removal of the sequestrum is recommended. Depending on the depth and extent of the corneal necrosis a grafting procedure may become necessary.
