Corneal Ulcer in Dogs

What is a corneal ulcer in dogs?

When talking about corneal ulcers, we must first start by explaining what the cornea is. The cornea is the transparent, shiny membrane that makes up the front of the eyeball. The cornea has three layers:

• The epithelium - This is a very thin layer of skin cells.
• The stroma - This is the main supportive tissue of the cornea. 
• The descemet’s membrane - This is the deepest layer of the cornea. 

Corneal ulcers are deep erosions of the epithelium and stroma layers of the cornea. This causes fluid to gather in the stroma layer, making the eye look cloudy. If the ulcer reaches the descemet’s membrane a descemetocele forms. This is a very serious condition that causes the liquid in the eye to leak out and the eye to collapse if the descemet’s membrane ruptures.

Causes of corneal ulcers in dogs

The most common cause of a corneal ulcer is blunt trauma, such as a dog rubbing its eye on the floor or a laceration caused by a sharp object or cat scratch. Chemical burns or irritation caused by substances like shampoo can also cause corneal ulcers. 

Some of the less common causes of corneal ulcers are bacterial or viral infections as well as other diseases. These can originate in the eye or may have been caused by a disease somewhere else in the body. Example diseases include:

• Epithelial dystrophy - This is the weakening of the cornea, which can be inherited in certain dog breeds.
• Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) - Also known as ‘dry eye’, this is when tear production decreases causing the cornea to be dry.
• Endocrine diseases - This can include diabetes mellitus, cushing's disease and hypothyroidism. 

Signs of corneal ulcer in dogs

• Excessive blinking or closing of the eye. 
• Significant discharge from the eye or tearing.
• Poor appetite.
• Hiding.
• Pawing/rubbing of the eye.
• Redness or swelling of the tissue around the eye.

How to treat a corneal ulcer in dogs

Treatment can vary depending on what a dog is suffering from. If they have a corneal abrasion these typically heal within three to five days. 

To prevent bacterial infections medication like ophthalmic antibiotic drops or ointment will be prescribed. Ophthalmic atropine drops or ointment could also be prescribed to relieve pain and spasms. However these only last for a short amount of time, making it crucial that they’re applied often. Antibiotic drops or ointment tend to need to be applied every 4 to 6 hours and atropine usually needs applying every 12 to 24 hours.

With regard to corneal ulcers or a descemetocele other steps must be taken to protect the eye. This could require surgery for proper healing of the eye. Surgery may also be performed to remove dead or poorly healing layers of corneal tissue. A corneal graft may be required. 

Corneal ulcer in dogs - home treatment

There are no at home treatments for corneal ulcers. If any symptoms are showing, the dog should be taken to the vet as soon as possible, as they will prescribe the best treatment. 

Corneal ulcer in dogs treatment cost

Treating corneal ulcers in dogs can be expensive and vet bills can easily exceed £1,000. Repeat treatment is sometimes necessary adding to the cost. Insurance can help you cover the cost of this. Complete our medical screening process to see if we can cover your dogs pre existing conditions.

Corneal ulcer healing stages in dogs

Large superficial corneal ulcers can take between five to seven days to heal and can exhibit minimal scarring. 

The healing process has three main stages:

• The epithelial cells spread out like a sheet to cover the ulcer bed.
• The epithelial sheet adheres to the ulcer bed. 
• A strong epithelial layer is built from the adhered epithelial sheet.

Ulcers that don’t heal within a year are known as indolent superficial ulcers. These take longer to heal and usually affect middle aged dogs. 

FAQs 

Do corneal ulcers in dogs go away? 

Most corneal ulcers usually heal within a week, however indolent superficial ulcers can take months to heal. 

What does a corneal ulcer look like in a dog?

Dogs with corneal ulcers may have a red and sore looking eye or a cloudy appearance in the cornea. They may also have an indentation or hole in the surface of their eye.

Can corneal ulcers cause blindness in dogs?

If the following symptoms go unnoticed or untreated blindness can occur:

• Severe eye pain.
• Tearing. 
• Eye discharge.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Red and sore eyes.
• Swollen eyelids.

What is a melting corneal ulcer in dogs?

A melting corneal ulcer is when an eye infection settles into the ulcerated cornea. This can cause bacteria to touch the unprotected cornea, which can lead to the ulcer deepening as well as risking rupture of the globe.