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Eye injuries can progress quickly. Urgent evaluation is recommended if your pet develops squinting, redness, and yellow-green discharge. In some cases, these symptoms indicate the presence of a corneal ulcer. While simple ulcers are often managed by your family veterinarian, more complicated cases may require referral to a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist. Here\u2019s a breakdown of what pet parents need to know about corneal ulcers in their dog or cat, as well as what to expect for treatment.<\/p>\n
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First,\u00a0<\/span>let\u2019s<\/span>\u00a0review the anatomy of the cornea! The cornea is the clear outer surface of the eye<\/span>. It<\/span>\u00a0is<\/span>\u00a0composed of\u00a0<\/span>the following three<\/span>\u00a0layers which focus light and protect the eye<\/span>:\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Deep corneal ulcers often result in more redness, discomfort, and a visible defect. Bacterial infection is commonly associated with this corneal ulcer appearance.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n A s<\/span>uperficial corneal ulcer<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>is a<\/span>\u00a0break in the outermost epithelium layer<\/span>. Most pets recover quickly<\/span>\u00a0from this type of ulcer<\/span>, but some\u00a0<\/span>can<\/span>\u00a0become complicated and may require a surgical procedure to encourage healing.\u00a0<\/span>If an ulcer becomes infected,\u00a0<\/span>however,\u00a0<\/span>formation of a deep ulcer<\/span>\u00a0can r<\/span>esult very quickly<\/span>. Emergency evaluation of the eye is recommended if a divot is seen on the\u00a0<\/span>surface of the eye<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Corneal ulcers can\u00a0<\/span>form<\/span>\u00a0due to many causes, including<\/span>, but not limited to<\/span>:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A superficial corneal ulcer is more easily seen with fluorescein stain.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n Symptoms<\/span><\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Corneal ulcers are painful<\/span>!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Here are the most common symptoms pet parents may notice:\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Note that superficial corneal ulcers are difficult to see without magnification<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>They are<\/span>\u00a0often easier to see via<\/span>\u00a0application of a fluorescein dye which adheres to the site of a corneal ulcer and appears bright green under a black light.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Deeper corneal ulcers can sometimes appear as a visible divot in the cornea.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Superficial corneal ulcers often heal within 7-10 days\u00a0depending on\u00a0the\u00a0size and cause. Topical antibiotic drops and oral pain medications are used to reduce the risk of infection and improve comfort\u00a0while the ulcer heals. Rigid protective Elizabethan collars (E-collar\/cone) are recommended to protect the eye and prevent self-trauma which can delay and complicate healing.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>Superficial ulcers that\u00a0have not\u00a0healed within 7-10 days\u00a0may be caused by a persistent irritant, inward rolling of the eyelid, or an underlying healing defect. Surgery to remove barriers to healing may be\u00a0necessary. Deep corneal ulcers require aggressive treatment to prevent progression. Medical management of an infected corneal ulcer includes frequent application of eye drops, pain medications, and sometimes antibiotics by mouth. In severe cases, a corneal surgery is needed to stabilize the cornea and prevent eye loss.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The quick identification of any<\/span>\u00a0eye pain a<\/span>s well as<\/span>\u00a0corneal ulcer formation is critical to\u00a0<\/span>the prevention of<\/span>\u00a0severe eye disease. Brachycephalic breeds (<\/span>such as<\/span>\u00a0Pugs, Shih Tzu, Pekingese, etc.) are at increased risk for corneal ulcers; however, any pet should be evaluated by a veterinarian\u00a0<\/span>immediately<\/span>\u00a0if tearing and blinking progresses to severe squinting with green-yellow discharge.\u00a0<\/span>At Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota,\u00a0<\/span>our<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Ophthalmology Service<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0is equipped to diagnose, triage, and care for your pets should a corneal ulcer occur.<\/span>\u00a0If you have any questions or concerns about your pet\u2019s corneal ulcer or\u00a0<\/span>other eye health topics<\/span>, ask your family veterinarian for a referral today.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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So, what exactly is a corneal ulcer?<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
What causes corneal ulcers?<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
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<\/p>\nHow is a corneal ulcer treated?<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
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