Discovering your dog has a corneal ulcer can be alarming. The cornea is the clear, front part of the eye, and an ulcer is essentially a break or sore on its surface. While it sounds serious, with proper care and treatment, most corneal ulcers heal successfully.

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.

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

Recognizing 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.

Causes

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.

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.

Corneal Ulcers in Dogs Treatment

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.

Important Considerations

Prompt Treatment: Early treatment is crucial to prevent complications and promote healing.
Avoid Self-Treatment: Do not use human eye medications on your dog without veterinary guidance.
Follow-up Care: Regular check-ups are essential to monitor healing and adjust treatment as needed.

If you notice any signs of a corneal ulcer in your dog, consult your veterinarian promptly. With proper care and treatment, most corneal ulcers heal successfully, and your dog can regain comfortable, healthy eyes.