Melting corneas and deep corneal ulceration
A melting corneal ulcer is an ulcer that has a severe bacterial or fungal infection. A deep corneal ulcer affects the deeper layers of the cornea. Both melting and deep corneal ulcers are very painful conditions that can lead to vision loss or loss of the eye within 24 hours, even with intensive medical and surgical management. Assessment by a Registered Veterinary Eye Specialist is strongly recommended.
What are the clinical signs of deep corneal ulceration?
Antibiotic Choice
A culture and sensitivity are usually performed on all melting corneas in order to ensure the correct choice of antibiotic is used. This is done in the awake patient at the time of the consult by gently swabbing the eye with a sterile cotton bud. Whilst we are waiting for the results, a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent is used.
Surgical management
Despite aggressive medications some patients will require surgery with a Registered Veterinary Eye Specialist to stabilise the cornea.
Complications of corneal ulcers
Should you have any questions or concerns please contact us on 03 9545 0103.
A melting corneal ulcer is an ulcer that has a severe bacterial or fungal infection. A deep corneal ulcer affects the deeper layers of the cornea. Both melting and deep corneal ulcers are very painful conditions that can lead to vision loss or loss of the eye within 24 hours, even with intensive medical and surgical management. Assessment by a Registered Veterinary Eye Specialist is strongly recommended.
What are the clinical signs of deep corneal ulceration?
- Red eye
- Cloudy eye
- Watery to mucky discharge
- Squinting
- Rubbing the eye/s
- Pain
Antibiotic Choice
A culture and sensitivity are usually performed on all melting corneas in order to ensure the correct choice of antibiotic is used. This is done in the awake patient at the time of the consult by gently swabbing the eye with a sterile cotton bud. Whilst we are waiting for the results, a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent is used.
Surgical management
Despite aggressive medications some patients will require surgery with a Registered Veterinary Eye Specialist to stabilise the cornea.
Complications of corneal ulcers
- Pigmentation
- Blood vessel reaction
- Corneal opacification and fibrosis
- Vision loss
- Corneal perforation
- Loss of the eye
Should you have any questions or concerns please contact us on 03 9545 0103.
