An ulcer is a wound that can occur on different parts of the body. In this article on our site we are going to focus on explaining the symptoms and treatment of corneal ulcer in dogs which, therefore, will be a wound that, for various causes, will form on the cornea.
Due to its location it will always require veterinary intervention, since leaving it untreated can result in significant damage to the eye even leading to loss of the eye.
The cornea of the eye
The cornea is the transparent outer part of the eye. With a curved shape, it constitutes the first barrier of protection and penetration of light into the eye. Its location makes it sensitive to injuries such as corneal ulcers in dogs, which we will detail below. Animals with bulging eyes, therefore, will be more prone to them.
The cornea has a superficial layer made up of epithelial cells. Any irritation, such as a scratch, the eruption of a foreign body or even an eyelash that grows towards it, is capable of injuring this layer, producing what is known as corneal abrasion
When the damage transcends this layer and affects the middle or even inner layer of the cornea we will be facing the so-called corneal ulcer In the site of damage the cornea is blurred and opaque. We must know that these ulcers are very painful and require quick veterinary attention In no case should we administer eye drops on our own, as they could causecorneal perforation
Corneal Ulcer Symptoms in Dogs
Corneal ulcers can cause a lot of pain, but we can identify other symptoms such as the following:
- Very marked tearing.
- Itching, the dog tries to scratch his eye.
- Photophobia, that is, the dog is bothered by light.
- The third eyelid may be visible in an attempt to protect the eye.
- Larger ulcers can be seen with the naked eye as dull or blurred areas.
Superficial corneal ulcers are more painful than deep ones. Our veterinarian can confirm its presence by placing a few drops of fluorescein eye drops in the eye. If there is an ulcer it will be stained green.
As we have said, corneal ulcers in dogs are usually caused by traumatisms, but can also be associated withdiseases such as dry keratoconjunctivitis, canine diabetes or hypothyroidism in dogs. Corneal ulcers can be complicated or simple , as we will see below.
Types of corneal ulcers in dogs
There are two types of corneal ulcers in dogs:
- Simple corneal ulcers: they are the most superficial and therefore the most painful. Its appearance is usually sudden and without associated infection. If we detect the cause, they heal well in a few days. This is usually trauma or a foreign body.
- Complicated corneal ulcers: This group includes ulcers that do not heal in about 7-10 days or we cannot find out what caused them. cause. They are deep corneal ulcers, corneal perforations or indolent ulcers, which we will explain in the last section.
The treatment of corneal ulcers in dogs
Once the diagnosis is established, the vet will often prescribe an antibiotic eye drop to prevent infection from occurring. Eye drops that keep the pupil dilated and thus reduce pain are also recommended. It is important to complete the treatment and have the vet check the eye to ensure the ulcer is fully healed. Treatment is basic to avoid complications or even loss of the affected eye.
The treatment will vary depending on whether it is a simple or complicated corneal ulcer. Sometimes the surgery is used, covering the eye with the third eyelid or a flap of the conjunctiva. There are also contact lenses that can be put in with the same protective function while the ulcer heals. If the dog is touched it will be essential to use a Elizabethan collar
Indolent corneal ulcers
A type of corneal ulcers in dogs characterized by slow healing are the so-called indolent, common in Boxer dogs, although they are also They can occur in other breeds and, above all, in older dogs. This ulcer is caused by lack of a substance that is found between the outer and middle layers of the cornea and acts like glue.
This absence causes the epithelium to detach, giving rise to a concave ulcer They are not usually accompanied by infection. They are treated with surgery to remove the affected epithelium and produce an abrasion that helps unite the layers. After surgery it is treated the same as other corneal ulcers.
