Medical conditions in dogs
What is a Corneal Ulcer?
Imagine a scratch or scrape on the surface of your eye – that’s similar to a corneal ulcer in dogs. It’s a defect or break in the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped outer layer of the eye that covers the iris and pupil.
Corneal Ulcers
Types of corneal ulcers in dogs
Corneal ulcers can be classified in a few ways:
- Superficial Ulcers: These involve only the outer layers of the cornea.
- Deep Ulcers: These extend deeper into the cornea and can be more serious.
- Infected Ulcers: These are ulcers that have become infected with bacteria or other microorganisms.
- Indolent Ulcers: These are superficial ulcers that are slow to heal.
- Descemetoceles: These are very deep ulcers that extend to the Descemet’s membrane, the innermost layer of the cornea.
Symptoms and signs
How can I tell if my dog has corneal ulcers?
Recognising the signs of a corneal ulcer is crucial for seeking timely veterinary care. Look for:
- Eye Pain: Squinting, blinking excessively, or pawing at the eye.
- Redness: The white of the eye appears red or bloodshot.
- Tearing: Excessive tearing or watery discharge from the eye.
- Cloudiness: The cornea may appear cloudy or hazy.
- Sensitivity to Light: Discomfort in bright light.
- Visible Defect: In some cases, you may be able to see a break or irregularity on the surface of the cornea.
- Third Eyelid Protrusion: The third eyelid (nictitating membrane) may become more prominent.
If you observe any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian promptly.
Diagnosis
How are corneal ulcers in dogs diagnosed?
Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough eye examination to diagnose a corneal ulcer:
- Ophthalmic Examination: Visual inspection of the eye and surrounding structures.
- Fluorescein Staining: A special dye that highlights corneal defects under a blue light.
- Slit-lamp Biomicroscopy: To examine the eye under magnification.
Causes
What are the causes of corneal ulcers in dogs?
Corneal ulcers can be caused by various factors:
- Trauma: Scratches from sharp objects, foreign bodies in the eye (like grass seeds or dirt), or direct trauma to the eye.
- Eyelid Abnormalities: Entropion (inward rolling of the eyelid) or ectropion (outward rolling of the eyelid) can rub on the cornea and cause ulcers.
- Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): Inadequate tear production can lead to corneal dryness and ulceration.
- Chemical Burns: Exposure to irritating chemicals.
- Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
- Underlying Eye Conditions: Glaucoma or other corneal diseases.
Treatment
What are the treatment options for corneal ulcers in dogs?
Treatment will depend on the type and severity of the ulcer:
- Antibiotic Eye Drops or Ointments: To prevent or treat infection.
- Pain Relief: Pain medications to manage discomfort.
- Serum or Plasma Eye Drops: To promote healing.
- Atropine: To dilate the pupil and reduce pain.
- E-collar (Cone): To prevent self-trauma and rubbing the eye.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair deep ulcers or corneal perforations.
- Treatment of Underlying Conditions: Addressing any underlying eye diseases or systemic conditions.
It’s essential to work closely with your veterinarian to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that’s tailored to your dog’s specific needs. Regular check-ups and monitoring are crucial to ensure your dog’s comfort and well-being, but with prompt veterinary care and a little bit of patience, they’ll be back to their happy selves in no time.
