Corneal ulcers in dogs can be very serious. Learning to recognize eye injuries can help you seek treatment for your dog the moment they begin. If you believe your dog has a corneal injury, you should contact your veterinarian right away.
While you’re waiting for your appointment, here’s what you should know about how corneal injuries happen, what to expect, and common treatment options for corneal ulcers in dogs.
Which Part of the Eye Is the Cornea?
The cornea is the membrane that covers the eyeball. It’s the clear, soft barrier that protects the eyeball. The cornea is composed of three layers that are fully transparent and essentially invisible. The cornea can only be seen with the naked eye when a special dye is applied to its surface.
Corneas are very vulnerable. Serious corneal injury can lead to loss of vision, especially if it isn’t treated adequately and immediately. If you believe your dog may have a corneal injury, it’s vital to contact your veterinarian immediately.
What Is a Corneal Ulcer?
Injury to the first layer of the cornea is called a corneal abrasion. A corneal ulcer or ulceration of the cornea is an injury that impacts every layer of the cornea. A corneal ulcer goes past the cornea and onto the stroma, the layer beneath the surface of the eye.
A corneal ulcer will cause fluid to build up in the eye, making the eye appear cloudy or hazy. The condition can be painful and significantly impact your dog’s vision.
If a corneal ulcer worsens, it can penetrate through deeper layers of the eye. If the ulcer reaches an important structural component of the eye called Descemet’s membrane, it can create a deeper ulcer called a descemetocele.
A descemetocele can cause a rupture of Descemet’s membrane, which retains the fluid of the eye. If the membrane ruptures, the eye can lose structural integrity and collapse. The only treatment option at that point is to remove the eye.
When corneal ulcers are detected and treated early, the risk of damage to Descemet’s membrane is significantly reduced. Eyes can successfully heal from corneal ulcers and abrasions with appropriate care as long as they’re promptly treated.
What Causes Corneal Ulcers in Dogs?
Corneal ulcers in dogs are almost always the result of an eye injury. Corneal ulcers can occur as a result of blunt trauma like your dog accidentally whacking themselves in the eye with a toy.
Rubbing or scratching their face against the carpet or furniture can cause an abrasion that leads to an ulceration. Sharp force wounds, like being scratched or bitten by another animal can cause a corneal ulcer.
In some cases, corneal ulceration can result from another health condition that impacts your dog’s eyes. Conditions that affect eye health, like epithelial dystrophy, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dye eye), diabetes, and Cushing’s disease, can cause or contribute to corneal injuries. Dogs with these conditions may also have a difficult time recovering from minor eye injuries obtained in other ways, leading to their worsening.
Can Minor Corneal Injuries Become Corneal Ulcers?
Corneal ulcers sometimes begin as corneal abrasions that worsen when left untreated. Smaller corneal ulcers can grow larger without medical intervention. Corneal ulcers rarely resolve on their own. Corneal injuries can’t adequately be treated at home.
You’ll need a veterinarian to prescribe dog-safe medications and, if necessary, perform surgery on the affected eye. You should always regard corneal injuries as an emergency. It can be impossible to distinguish a minor injury from a serious injury without a proper diagnosis.
Is a Corneal Ulcer Painful for My Dog?
Corneal ulcers, as well as almost any other eye injury, can be very painful for a dog. Your dog may not know how to express the pain they’re feeling.
They may attempt to put pressure on their eye with their paw or rub against soft surfaces like their bed or the couch. Your dog may not be able to open their eye due to the pain of contact with air or exposure to light.
Corneal ulcers often cause uncomfortable seepage that collects around the corners of the affected eye. It may be pinkish or yellowish in hue and often dries to a gummy or crusty texture. Attempting to remove the residue, even gently with a soft wet cloth, may cause your dog increased discomfort due to the sensitivity of the area.
How Do Veterinarians Diagnose Corneal Ulcers?
Severe corneal ulcers may be visible. Your veterinarian may be able to tell just by looking at your dog if the ulcer is in need of immediate medical intervention.
Smaller or newer corneal ulcers may not be as easy to detect. Your veterinarian can utilize a quick, simple, and painless dye test to check the integrity of your dog’s cornea.
Veterinarians sometimes use a dye called fluorescein. A small drop is applied to your dog’s eye, and it will temporarily stain your dog’s eye green.
The green dye defines the size and shape of the ulcer, allowing the veterinarian to conduct a thorough assessment of the injury. If the ulcer is very small, your veterinarian may need to use a special light to examine your dog’s eye.
Recurrent ulcers or ulcers that may be infected require extra care and attention. Your veterinarian may need to take a sample from the ulcer to examine the tissue or to identify strains of bacteria that may be causing an infection. Samples allow veterinarians to prescribe targeted treatment that may be substantially more effective than broad-spectrum antibiotics.
How Are Corneal Ulcers in Dogs Treated?
Corneal abrasions in dogs are usually simple to treat. Antibiotics, eye drops, medicated ointments, and pain medications can prevent infection and manage your dog’s symptoms.
Most dogs will make a complete recovery within the span of a week. Follow your veterinarian’s instructions, which usually involve applying eye drops every four to six hours.
Corneal ulcers can be more complicated to treat. Your dog’s eye will need additional protection to heal. Human corneal ulcers usually involve an eye patch to protect the area, but dogs are resistant to eye patches.
Surgical intervention is sometimes the best option. Dead tissue may need to be manually removed so healthy tissue can grow back and take its place. In severe cases, some dogs need corneal grafts.
Your veterinarian will be able to give you more specific information about treatment options after assessing your dog’s corneal ulcer. Your dog may require several weeks of constant care, and you’ll likely need to attend several follow-up appointments with your veterinarian to check your dog’s healing progress.
How Long Does It Take a Corneal Ulcer To Heal?
A corneal injury can heal in a few days to a few weeks, depending on its severity and the potential presence of infection. Your veterinarian may recommend frequent checkups and additional dye tests to assess the healing process. Your veterinarian can use the same dye stain from the diagnostic process to check the corneal ulcer’s healing progress.
It’s crucial for you to continue your dog’s treatment, even if it seems as though the ulcer has completely healed. It’s nearly impossible to see a small or mostly healed ulcer on your own.
If your veterinarian prescribed antibiotics, eye drops, or ointments, you need to administer them according to the schedule until you run out or until your veterinarian tells you it’s okay to discontinue treatment.
Is It Possible To Prevent Corneal Ulcers in Dogs?
It’s not always possible to prevent corneal ulcers in dogs because they’re often the result of an injury. You may be able to minimize the risk of injury by carefully selecting the toys you give your dog to play with, especially if your dog likes to thrash larger toys. If your dog plays rough with other dogs, training your dog to engage in calmer play can also minimize the risk of injury.
If your dog has a health condition that impacts their eyes, managing their condition can reduce the risk of further eye injury. Conditions affecting the eyes or tear ducts, including diabetes, can potentially lead to corneal ulcers if left untreated. Taking a proactive approach to your dog’s healthcare may even prolong your dog’s life.
What To Do If You Suspect Your Dog May Have a Corneal Ulcer
The best thing to do if you suspect your dog may have a corneal injury is to contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not try to treat the injury yourself.
Eye drops, pain medications, and ointments made for human use may not be suitable for dogs. Some may be toxic or lethal for your animal, especially if administered in standard human dosages.
Your veterinarian may request you bring your dog in for emergency treatment, especially if the corneal wound is visible. Early intervention can save your dog’s vision and prevent life-threatening infections. The sooner you act, the better your dog’s outcome is likely to be.
How To Administer Treatment to Your Dog With a Corneal Ulcer
It isn’t unusual for a dog to refuse medicine. If your dog is in pain, they may be resistant to the idea of letting you near the affected eye.
Your dog may be protective of the area and exhibit signs of anxiety when you approach them with ointments or eye drops. They may refuse oral medications because they don’t like the taste.
There are a few ways to manage the treatment:
Distraction
Many people find that distracting their dog helps to make the process easier. A spoonful of peanut butter can draw their attention away from the fact that they’re about to receive medicine. Hiding pills in treats like cheese or peanut butter can easily trick your dog into taking their medication.
CBD
Keeping your dog calm may help you administer eye drops or salves. ElleVet CBD chews are clinically proven to support a calm mood in dogs. Give your dog a CBD chew and wait 60 to 90 minutes before administering eye drops. Your dog may be less anxious or resistant when it’s time to medicate them.
Most eye ulcer treatments should be administered every four to six hours, and the effects of CBD should last eight to 12 hours. Two or three chews given throughout the day may be sufficient to keep your dog calm and relaxed while they’re healing.
Set Alarms
It’s important to deliver each dosage on time. Setting alarms on your phone can help you remember when it’s time to give your dog their treatment.
It helps to designate one person in your household to administer medicine at each time. This can work to avoid miscommunications that involve your dog missing a dose or accidentally receiving two doses.
Can Treatment for a Corneal Ulcer Cause Side Effects?
Treatment for a corneal ulcer doesn’t usually cause side effects. Some dogs may have a sensitivity to certain antibiotics.
Your dog may have an unpleasant reaction to eye drops for a few seconds after you administer them, and this is normal. Their eyes may water for a moment.
If the eye drops seem to be worsening your dog’s condition or causing additional pain, stop using them and contact your veterinarian immediately. Your dog may be experiencing an adverse reaction, and a different antibiotic may be a better choice.
The Bottom Line
Corneal ulcers should be taken seriously. Many dogs successfully recover from corneal ulcers with adequate treatment and will retain most or all of their vision.
It’s crucial to follow your veterinarian’s instructions thoroughly and attend any follow-up appointments to check your dog’s healing progress. Never discontinue treatment without your veterinarian’s permission.
Sources:
Eye Anatomy: Parts of the Eye and How We See | American Academy of Ophthalmology
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye; Keratitis Sicca) Merck Manual
Fluorescein eye stain | MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
Progress in corneal wound healing | National Institute of Health
