Diagnosing and Treating Corneal Ulcers in Pets

A pet’s eyes are essential for their daily interactions with the world, but they are also highly vulnerable to injury and disease. The cornea, the transparent outermost layer of the eye, plays a crucial role in focusing light. When damaged, it can lead to pain, infection, and even vision loss.

Corneal ulcers are among the most common ophthalmic emergencies in dogs and cats. While some ulcers heal with appropriate treatment, others worsen rapidly, resulting in perforation or blindness. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for corneal ulcers is key to protecting your pet’s vision and overall eye health.

At Veterinary Vision Center in Shreveport, LA, we provide advanced diagnostics, medical therapies, and surgical interventions to treat corneal ulcers and restore eye health.

Learn more about our ophthalmology services: Veterinary Vision Center Services

What Is a Corneal Ulcer?

The Role of the Cornea in Vision

The cornea is a clear, protective structure that allows light to pass into the eye. It consists of three main layers:

  • Epithelium – The outer protective barrier.
  • Stroma – The thickest layer, providing structure and support.
  • Descemet’s Membrane – The deepest layer, which is highly resistant to rupture.

A corneal ulcer occurs when the epithelium is damaged, exposing the stroma. If untreated, the ulcer can progress deeper, reaching Descemet’s membrane (descemetocele) and increasing the risk of perforation and vision loss.

Types of Corneal Ulcers

  • Superficial ulcers – Limited to the epithelium; heal quickly with treatment.
  • Stromal ulcers – Extend into the middle layer of the cornea; require more aggressive therapy.
  • Descemetocele – A severe ulcer that reaches Descemet’s membrane and is at risk for rupture.
  • Indolent ulcers – Chronic, non-healing ulcers often seen in older dogs.

More on common eye conditions in pets: ACVO Eye Conditions

Causes of Corneal Ulcers in Pets

Trauma and Mechanical Injury

  • Scratches from rough surfaces, other animals, or foreign objects.
  • Self-trauma due to excessive rubbing or scratching at irritated eyes.
  • Eyelid abnormalities (entropion, distichiasis) causing chronic corneal irritation.

Infections and Systemic Disease

  • Bacterial infections (Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus) can worsen ulcers.
  • Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) is a common cause of recurrent corneal ulceration in cats.
  • Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca, KCS) increases ulcer risk due to reduced tear production.

Environmental and Chemical Irritants

  • Exposure to dust, smoke, or strong household cleaners.
  • Irritating shampoos or improper use of eye medications.

More on corneal ulcer causes: Today’s Veterinary Practice – Corneal Ulcers Handout

Symptoms of Corneal Ulcers in Pets

Signs to Look For

  • Excessive tearing or eye discharge (clear, mucoid, or purulent).
  • Squinting, blinking excessively, or keeping the eye closed.
  • Cloudiness or bluish haze over the cornea.
  • Redness around the eye (conjunctival hyperemia).
  • Frequent pawing or rubbing at the eye, indicating discomfort.

Signs That Require Immediate Veterinary Attention

  • Sudden severe eye pain (constant squinting, pawing).
  • Worsening corneal ulceration despite treatment.
  • Increased swelling, pus-like discharge, or visible corneal perforation.

Schedule an ophthalmic evaluation for persistent corneal irritation: Veterinary Vision Center

How Corneal Ulcers Are Diagnosed

Ophthalmic Examination Techniques

  • Fluorescein Staining – A diagnostic dye that highlights corneal defects.
  • Schirmer Tear Test (STT) – Measures tear production to diagnose dry eye (KCS).
  • Tonometry – Evaluates intraocular pressure to rule out glaucoma or uveitis.
  • Bacterial Culture and Cytology – Identifies infectious agents in non-healing ulcers.

Advanced ophthalmic diagnostics available at: Veterinary Vision Center

Treatment Options for Corneal Ulcers

Medical Management

  • Topical antibiotics – Prevent bacterial infections in all ulcers.
  • Atropine drops – Reduce pain by minimizing ciliary muscle spasm.
  • Lubricating eye drops – Provide hydration and support healing.
  • Antiviral medications – Essential for herpesvirus-induced ulcers in cats.

Advanced Therapies for Non-Healing Ulcers

  • Debridement and Grid Keratotomy – Encourages healing in indolent ulcers.
  • Autologous Serum Drops – Use the pet’s plasma to promote corneal repair.
  • Amniotic Membrane Grafts – Provide biological scaffolding for severe ulcers.

Surgical Options for Deep or Perforated Ulcers

  • Conjunctival Grafts – Provide vascular support to aid healing.
  • Corneal Transplants – Used in select severe cases to restore vision.
  • Tarsorrhaphy (temporary eyelid closure) – Protects the cornea while healing.

Customized treatment plans available at: Veterinary Vision Center

Healing and Long-Term Management

Factors That Influence Recovery

  • Ulcer depth and severity.
  • Presence of secondary infections.
  • Underlying conditions such as dry eye or herpesvirus.

Post-Treatment Eye Care

  • Routine follow-ups to monitor healing.
  • Avoidance of irritants and trauma.
  • Long-term lubrication therapy for pets with chronic dry eye.

Comprehensive post-treatment care at: Veterinary Vision Center

Preventing Corneal Ulcers

Ways to Reduce Risk

  • Routine eye exams for breeds prone to ulcers (Bulldogs, Pugs, Persian cats).
  • Management of underlying conditions such as dry eye or entropion.
  • Avoiding rough play or exposure to potential eye trauma.

Preventative ophthalmic care available at: Veterinary Vision Center

When to Refer to a Veterinary Ophthalmologist

When Specialty Care Is Needed

  • Deep or non-healing corneal ulcers requiring advanced therapy.
  • Ulcers associated with systemic disease or chronic conditions.
  • Risk of corneal rupture or perforation requiring surgical intervention.

Schedule a referral appointment today: Contact Veterinary Vision Center

Additional Resources

More on Corneal Ulcers and Veterinary Ophthalmology: