A Veterinarian’s Guide to Corneal Ulcers
Dogs and cats with corneal ulcers are often seen in a veterinary practice. Ranging from simple to complicated, a corneal ulcer can lead to infection, pain, and blindness in pets if not properly treated. Following the steps of this guide, created by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist and Vetrix, can help veterinarians provide better care and healing for corneal ulcers.
Step One: Classify the Corneal Ulcer
Providing a thorough eye exam allows for classification of the ulcer as either simple or complicated.
Simple corneal ulcer
The corneal ulcer remains superficial with no evidence of infection, scar formation, neovascularization, or corneal melting. The ulcer heals quickly within seven to 10 days with appropriate treatment.
Complicated corneal ulcer
Often associated with an underlying ocular condition, the complicated corneal ulcer may threaten the vision or integrity of the eye with potential loss of part or all of the corneal stroma.
There is an appearance of infection, corneal melting, or neovascularization, where aggressive medical and/or surgical therapy is required.
Step Two: Identify the Underlying Cause
An eye exam should be performed to attempt to identify one of three underlying causes for the corneal ulcer.
Mechanical
A mechanical cause can include a traumatic injury like a bite or chemical burn, an eyelid abnormality, or a cilia abnormality such as distichia.
Primary corneal disease
Specific conditions such as tear film disease, corneal deposits, or Corneal edema can be precursors to corneal ulcers in dogs and cats.
Infectious
Viral, bacterial, and fungal infections can all contribute to many serious conditions, including corneal ulcers.
Step Three: Design a Treatment Plan
Building a proper treatment plan to reduce infection, inflammation, and pain is an important step to take for the healing process to begin.
Simple corneal ulcer
Use broad-spectrum antibiotic drops or ointment every day as well as an oral anti-inflammatory for a prescribed regimen. An analgesia can be given for pain control as needed. Atropine is indicated only if the pupil is miotic—a single application may be sufficient.
Complicated corneal ulcer
Targeted antibiotics with frequent application are needed with a slow reduction in frequency. BID therapy is recommended beyond corneal ulcer being fluorescein stain negative. Oral anti-inflammatory and pain medication can be added to regimen as well as topical serum for melting ulcers. Atropine is indicated for miosis and reflex uveitis for pupil dilation.
Step Four: Promote Better Healing for Simple and Complicated Corneal Ulcers
For more rapid healing, the addition of EyeQ Amniotic Eye Drops can be used to deliver natural anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory benefits. The convenient dropper comes in a dual-chamber bottle that provides extended shelf life and simple, on-demand, product preparation.
Unique, powderized amniotic membrane drops quickly deliver components to the corneal ulcer. EyeQ therapy enhances corneal cell growth and migration when used with traditional therapies.
Step Five: Recheck and Modify Plan
Routine follow-up exams continue for 60 days, documenting corneal ulcer healing, and allowing for modifications to the therapeutic plan.
Provide Better Care and Pet Treatments
Advanced veterinary regenerative medicine is available from Vetrix, veterinary regenerative medicine that goes beyond traditional treatments for corneal ulcer treatment. Contact one of our professionals to rethink healing in your veterinary practice, using the latest advancements from Vetrix.
These recommendations are designed to serve only as a general guideline. They are not intended to supersede institutional protocols or professional clinical judgment concerning patient care. EyeQ Amniotic Eye Drops do not provide immediate structural support and are not meant to replace tectonic surgical grafts.
