Corneal ulcers in dogs and cats are one of the most frequent reasons for veterinary ophthalmology visits. These ulcers are small wounds on the surface of the eye that are very painful and can sometimes become complicated by infection. That’s why it’s crucial to diagnose and treat them as soon as possible. The treatment must be appropriate to eliminate the cause of the ulcer and promote quick healing to prevent the risk of vision loss.
What Is a Corneal Ulcer?
The cornea is one of the most sensitive tissues in the body. It’s the outermost structure of the eyeball, making it highly exposed to trauma. The cornea is made up of several layers, with the epithelium being the outermost layer, responsible for protecting the inner layers from infection.
When the epithelium is damaged, a superficial corneal ulcer occurs. If the injury goes deeper into the inner layers, the prognosis worsens, and in extreme cases, it can lead to perforation of the eyeball.
Causes of Corneal Ulcers in Animals
Corneal ulcers can have many causes. As mentioned, the cornea is very exposed and prone to various traumas, making this one of the most common causes. However, there are other potential causes as well:
- Dry eye
- Infections
- Genetic factors
Types of Corneal Ulcers
Any ulcer can be very painful for the patient and may lead to complications. That’s why early diagnosis is essential. If the cause cannot be identified or the ulcer doesn’t respond to treatment within 2–3 days, referral to a veterinary ophthalmology specialist is advised to prevent risks that could compromise vision.
To determine the severity of a corneal ulcer, a full examination of all ocular structures is required, along with tests such as the Schirmer tear test or intraocular pressure measurement.
Ulcers can be classified as:
- Superficial: Occurs in the corneal epithelium. If no complications arise, it should heal within a few days.
- Stromal: Affects the second layer of the cornea—the stroma. Based on depth, they are classified as anterior, mid, or posterior stromal ulcers. Mid and posterior stromal ulcers often require surgery to heal.
- Descemet’s Ulcer: Occurs when the epithelium and stroma are lost, leaving only the last layer of the cornea—the endothelium and its basal membrane (Descemet’s membrane)—to prevent perforation. These are considered absolute ophthalmic emergencies and require surgery to save the eye.
- Perforated: When the lesion penetrates all layers of the cornea, the eyeball perforates and aqueous humor leaks from inside. Emergency surgery is required, and preserving the eyeball and vision becomes highly uncertain.
Treatment of Corneal Ulcers
Treatment depends largely on the type and stage of the ulcer.
A superficial ulcer usually heals without complications by applying an antibiotic eye drop for about a week and treating the pain with topical or systemic medication. It’s very important not to use any eye drops unless prescribed by a veterinarian, as doing so could worsen the condition and impair recovery.
A complicated or infected ulcer, on the other hand, requires more intensive treatment. The goal is to eliminate the cause and promote safe healing while preserving as much corneal transparency as possible. Depending on the cause, treatment may include antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, mineral chelators, blood-derived products (such as serum or growth factor-rich plasma), etc.
In complex cases, surgery may be necessary to preserve the eye (e.g., biomaterial grafts, corneal transposition). In all cases of corneal ulcers, the patient should wear an Elizabethan collar to prevent further damage caused by scratching the eye.
Conclusion
Corneal ulcers account for a significant percentage of veterinary ophthalmology visits. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications like vision loss.
At IVeM, we specialize in protecting your pet’s visual health. Don’t hesitate to contact us for any inquiries related to veterinary ophthalmology.
