Corneal Ulcer: Canine Corneal Ulcer
Affected Animals: Any animal may develop a corneal ulcer. Recurrent ulcers and ulcers that do not heal properly occur more commonly in middle-aged and older dogs. Cats are susceptible to herpes virus infection and secondary ulceration of the cornea.
Information and Overview:
The cornea is the transparent layer of the front of the eye and plays a vital role in vision. Injury, bacterial, fungal, and viral infection, diseases of the eye and eyelid, and a number of other conditions can cause the cornea to ulcerate. A corneal ulcer can develop serious complications such as rupturing, that may compromise visual acuity and even result in loss of sight or the eye if not promptly treated by a veterinarian. A corneal ulcer is a defect /cavity in the two surface layers of the cornea and possibly involving a portion of its deeper layers. Virtually all injuries to the cornea are painful. Even mild, superficial scratches or abrasions that only involve the surface layer cause significant discomfort. The deeper the ulcer - the more layers that are missing - the more painful the ulcer will be. Pain caused by an ulcer will be shown by squinting, constant or frequent blinking and excessive tearing. Deeper ulcers also carry a greater risk for serious complications. During the healing process, blood vessel migration across the ulcer from the outer rim of the cornea and scar formation within the defect may impair the cornea's natural transparency. As a result, the affected animal may experience loss of visual acuity or even sightedness in the affected eye. Treatment depends on the depth of the ulcer and on any associated complications that may be present. Minor scratches, abrasions and very superficial ulcers may be treated with antibiotics to eliminate or prevent infection. Deeper corneal ulcers often require surgery to treat the ulcer and prevent possible blindness
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