Superficial corneal ulceration
Superficial corneal ulcers only affect the very surface of the cornea called the epithelium. This layer is richly innervated with nerves and when damaged results in pain. If early cases are examined managed by an Eye Specialist can reduced the time of healing, reduce the cost spent in medications and possibly avoid surgery.
What are the clinical signs of corneal ulceration?
Indolent ulcers and Spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs)
Most superficial ulcers should heal within 7-10 days without surgery. Ulcers that fail to heal within this time either have an underlying problem like a hair rubbing on the cornea or have SCCED's. Breeds predisposed to SCCED's include the Golden Retriever, Boxer, Corgi and Samoyed. Older dogs are also predisposed to developing indolent ulcers as they have reduced healing capacity.
Medical management
Systemic and topical antibiotics are often used to indolent ulcers. In addition to this, systemic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also used. Topical non-steroidal drops or cortisone based drops are ALWAYS contraindicated in animals with corneal ulcers as they delay wound healing.
Surgical management
Surgery of the cornea requires experience and magnification. Although there are several techniques that can be employed to promote the healing of the cornea, not all are suitable for every type of ulcer. The types of surgery available include, burring, keratotomy and keratectomy. If the wrong type of surgery is performed, marked vision-threatening scarring can result. Please speak to a Registered Veterinary Eye Specialist to determine which surgery is the best for your pet.
Complications of corneal ulcers
Should you have any questions or concerns please contact us on 03 9545 0103.
Superficial corneal ulcers only affect the very surface of the cornea called the epithelium. This layer is richly innervated with nerves and when damaged results in pain. If early cases are examined managed by an Eye Specialist can reduced the time of healing, reduce the cost spent in medications and possibly avoid surgery.
What are the clinical signs of corneal ulceration?
- Red eye
- Cloudy eye
- Watery to mucky discharge
- Squinting
- Rubbing the eye/s
- Pain
Indolent ulcers and Spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs)
Most superficial ulcers should heal within 7-10 days without surgery. Ulcers that fail to heal within this time either have an underlying problem like a hair rubbing on the cornea or have SCCED's. Breeds predisposed to SCCED's include the Golden Retriever, Boxer, Corgi and Samoyed. Older dogs are also predisposed to developing indolent ulcers as they have reduced healing capacity.
Medical management
Systemic and topical antibiotics are often used to indolent ulcers. In addition to this, systemic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also used. Topical non-steroidal drops or cortisone based drops are ALWAYS contraindicated in animals with corneal ulcers as they delay wound healing.
Surgical management
Surgery of the cornea requires experience and magnification. Although there are several techniques that can be employed to promote the healing of the cornea, not all are suitable for every type of ulcer. The types of surgery available include, burring, keratotomy and keratectomy. If the wrong type of surgery is performed, marked vision-threatening scarring can result. Please speak to a Registered Veterinary Eye Specialist to determine which surgery is the best for your pet.
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.
