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Deep Corneal Ulcer in Dogs: When to Refer vs. Manage

A 5-year-old French Bulldog presents with a two-day history of squinting and epiphora. On slit-lamp exam, you estimate the ulcer at 50 to 60 percent stromal depth — deeper than you’d like, but not yet a descemetocele. There’s no obvious melting, no positive fluorescein pooling in a central dimple, no iris visible. The question in front of you: do you refer now, or do you have a management window?

This is the clinical gray zone that general practitioners navigate regularly. Deep stromal ulcers — those involving more than half the corneal thickness but with Descemet’s membrane still intact — sit at the pivot point between medical management and surgical intervention. Getting that decision right determines whether the eye is saved and whether the client stays with your practice.

Here’s the framework for making that call, what you can do medically while the clock is running, and where amniotic eye drops fit into the combination protocol.

Understanding Stromal Depth: Why the 50% Threshold Matters

Corneal ulcers are classified by depth. Superficial ulcers involve only the epithelium and heal with standard medical management in three to five days. Stromal ulcers have penetrated into the collagen stroma — and the deeper they go, the narrower the remaining tissue barrier between the external environment and the intraocular contents.

At 50% stromal depth, ophthalmologist assessment is the standard recommendation. At 60 to 70%, urgent surgical evaluation is indicated. At 100% — where only Descemet’s membrane remains, visible as a transparent, fluid-filled bleb — you have a descemetocele, and the difference between that and globe perforation may be hours.

The 50% threshold isn’t arbitrary. Corneal stroma doesn’t regenerate the way epithelium does. When stromal tissue is lost, it doesn’t regrow — it heals by fibrosis (scar) or is replaced by graft material. Below 50%, medical management has a reasonable chance of stabilizing the ulcer and allowing epithelial bridging over the defect. Above 50%, the structural integrity of the globe is progressively at risk and the biological environment often can’t support closure without surgical reinforcement.

The practical challenge: estimating depth accurately without specialized equipment. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy gives the best assessment. If you don’t have access, a progressive increase in ulcer size at serial exams, obvious thinning of the cornea at the ulcer margin, or a gelatinous appearance to the stroma all suggest significant depth and warrant referral without waiting.

Deep Stromal Ulcers vs. Melting Ulcers: A Critical Distinction

These two entities are related but clinically distinct, and conflating them leads to both over- and under-treatment.

A deep stromal ulcer is defined by structural loss — stroma has been consumed, typically through infection or trauma, but the remaining tissue is structurally stable. The ulcer is deep, but it isn’t actively dissolving.

A melting ulcer (keratomalacia) is defined by active enzymatic degradation — proteolytic enzymes released by bacteria, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and by host inflammatory cells are actively liquefying the stroma in real time. A melting ulcer can progress from 30% to perforation within 24 hours. A deep but non-melting stromal ulcer may be stable for days.

The key diagnostic signal: tissue consistency. Stable deep ulcers have firm, defined margins. Melting ulcers have soft, gelatinous, indistinct margins — the characteristic “liquefied” appearance. A corneal cytology or culture can confirm bacterial species when you suspect melting, but clinical appearance is often enough to distinguish the two in-exam.

This distinction matters because the treatment urgency and the window for medical management are fundamentally different. Non-melting deep ulcers give you a 24 to 48 hour window to begin aggressive medical management and arrange referral. Melting ulcers do not.

Medical Management: The 24-48 Hour Window

For a deep stromal ulcer without active melting, you have a short but meaningful window to begin combination medical management while arranging ophthalmology consultation. The goals: prevent infection-driven progression, suppress enzymatic activity, support the healing environment, and protect the eye during transport or a waiting period.

Topical antibiotics — broad-spectrum coverage immediately. Don’t wait for culture results to start treatment. Tobramycin or a fluoroquinolone (ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin) applied every two to four hours provides broad-spectrum coverage while pending diagnostics. If you suspect Pseudomonas, fortified tobramycin or a combination of ciprofloxacin and cefazolin is the standard of care.

Anticollagenase therapy — essential, not optional. Even in the absence of obvious melting, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are active in any infected or inflamed cornea. These enzymes degrade collagen and can convert a stable deep ulcer into a melting one. Topical autologous or equine serum applied every two to four hours provides MMP inhibitors. Oral doxycycline at subantimicrobial doses adds systemic anticollagenase support. N-acetylcysteine is an alternative if serum isn’t available.

Amniotic eye drops — adjuvant for the healing environment. EyeQ amniotic eye drops contribute a different mechanism to the protocol: growth factor delivery and inflammatory modulation. Corneal epithelialization requires EGF (epidermal growth factor), HGF, and KGF — growth factors that are preserved in amniotic membrane extract and that support the migration of epithelial cells across the wound surface. Trusted by over 90% of veterinary ophthalmologists and used in over 100,000 eyes, EyeQ positions amniotic therapy alongside antibiotics and anticollagenases as a standard component of combination management — not a standalone treatment, but a meaningful addition that supports the biology the cornea needs to stabilize.

Pain management and globe protection. Atropine 1% for cycloplegia reduces ciliary spasm pain and prevents posterior synechia. An E-collar is non-negotiable. The greatest risk during the medical management window is the patient rubbing the eye and mechanically perforating the cornea before surgical repair can occur.

Set a clear reassessment timeline: recheck at 24 hours. If the ulcer is stable or improving, continue the protocol. If it has progressed — deeper, larger, softer margins, increased ocular pain — escalate to immediate referral.

When Surgery Is the Right Call

For ulcers above 60 to 70% stromal depth, the referral conversation shouldn’t wait for medical management to fail. It should happen at the first exam, while you begin the protocol above as a bridge.

Surgical options for deep stromal ulcers include:

  • Conjunctival pedicle graft — the workhorse procedure. A flap of vascularized conjunctiva is rotated over the defect, providing structural support and a direct blood supply. Success rates of 85 to 90% in experienced hands. Graft is typically trimmed or left to pigment over time.
  • Corneoscleral transposition — for central defects where a conjunctival graft would impair vision. More technically demanding.
  • Amniotic membrane grafting — surgical-grade freeze-dried amniotic membrane as a structural overlay. A 2025 study in Veterinary Ophthalmology showed 100% healing in 20 eyes over a mean of 17 days with freeze-dried amniotic membrane grafts.

Prognosis framing for clients: conjunctival graft surgery is successful in 85 to 90% of cases. Cost ranges widely by region and facility but typically falls between $1,500 and $3,500 at specialty centers. The alternative — waiting while an ulcer progresses to perforation — carries a much higher risk of globe loss. Most clients, presented with those options clearly, make the decision the eye needs.

After Surgical Repair: The Continued Role of Amniotic Drops

Post-surgical corneal recovery benefits from the same growth factor support that aids medical management. After conjunctival graft or amniotic membrane grafting, the corneal epithelium still needs to bridge across the repaired surface. EyeQ supports that phase — the same mechanisms (EGF, HGF, inflammatory modulation) that aid pre-surgical stabilization continue to support post-operative epithelialization and reduce the risk of surgical site complications.

Clinical Bottom Line

Deep stromal corneal ulcers demand a structured response: accurate depth assessment, immediate antibiotic and anticollagenase coverage, a short medical management window, and a clear referral plan for cases above 60% depth or showing any progression. The 24 to 48 hour window is not an opportunity to wait and see — it’s an opportunity to stabilize while preparing for the next decision.

EyeQ fits into this protocol as an evidence-supported adjuvant: growth factor delivery and inflammatory modulation at the critical phase when the corneal biology is either stabilizing or deteriorating. Combined with anticollagenase therapy and appropriate antibiotic coverage, it completes the medical management protocol that trusted ophthalmologists reach for in difficult corneal cases.

Learn how EyeQ supports both medical management and post-surgical recovery at RethinkHealing.com.

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Melting Corneal Ulcers in Dogs: When Standard Treatment Isn’t Enough

A 4-year-old English Bulldog presents with a two-day history of squinting and ocular discharge. On slit-lamp exam, the ulcer is larger than you expected — and the corneal stroma has a soft, gelatinous appearance at the margin. You’re looking at a melting corneal ulcer. The clock is now running.

Keratomalacia, or corneal melting, isn’t just a deep ulcer. It’s an active enzymatic process. Proteolytic enzymes released by bacteria — most often Pseudomonas aeruginosa — and by the patient’s own inflammatory cells are actively digesting the corneal stroma in real time. Without aggressive intervention, a straightforward ulcer can reach Descemet’s membrane — or perforate — within 24 to 48 hours.

Standard antibiotic therapy alone won’t stop it. Here’s what the evidence says about treatment, escalation, and where amniotic drops fit into the protocol.

How Quickly Can a Melting Ulcer Progress?

The short answer: faster than most general practitioners expect. Melting ulcers are not stable. The same enzymatic cascade that begins with bacterial infection continues even after the bacteria are eliminated, driven by host-derived matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and neutrophil proteases flooding the injured cornea.

A five-year retrospective study published in Veterinary Ophthalmology found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most common isolate in canine melting ulcers, and significantly more likely to result in globe loss than other organisms. Across the study period, 13% of eyes required enucleation despite treatment. In purely Pseudomonas-positive cases, 57% of enucleated eyes cultured the organism as the sole pathogen.

The clinical implication is clear: treat aggressively from the first exam, and set a short reassessment window. If the ulcer isn’t stabilizing within 48 to 72 hours of intensive medical therapy, the escalation conversation needs to happen — not at the one-week recheck.

When to refer immediately: descemetocele formation, corneal perforation, iris prolapse, or any case where you lack the resources for every-two-hour topical therapy. When to escalate within 48-72 hours: stagnant or worsening melting despite aggressive medical management.

Anticollagenase Therapy: Why Antibiotics Alone Aren’t Enough

This is the most important clinical distinction in managing melting ulcers. Antibiotics address the infection. They do not address the enzyme activity destroying the stroma.

Even after bacteria are eliminated, the proteolytic enzymes they triggered — and the host inflammatory cells recruited to the wound — continue degrading corneal collagen. This is why a patient can culture negative and still be melting. The antibiotic worked; the enzymatic cascade didn’t stop.

Anticollagenase therapy interrupts this process through several mechanisms:

  • Autologous or equine serum — rich in alpha-2 macroglobulin and other MMP inhibitors. Applied every two hours during waking hours in active cases.
  • Oral doxycycline — well-established MMP inhibitor at subantimicrobial doses. Works systemically to reduce overall MMP load in the cornea.
  • EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) — chelates calcium ions required for metalloproteinase activity. Often combined with serum in the topical protocol.

A retrospective study of 57 melting ulcers in 53 dogs found that 54.4% healed within 15 days with intensive medical management — antibiotic plus anticollagenase therapy applied aggressively. The remaining 45.6% ultimately required surgical intervention. This data makes the case for both aggressive medical treatment and early surgical planning in parallel, not sequentially.

The practical challenge in general practice: every-two-hour topical therapy is demanding for clients. Compliance is the limiting factor in many cases. Any adjuvant that reduces dependence on application frequency — or improves the biological environment enough to reduce the treatment window — has real clinical value.

Which Dogs Are at Highest Risk?

Breed anatomy is the most reliable predictor of melting ulcer risk. Brachycephalic dogs — English Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers — present with a combination of factors that create a perfect storm for severe corneal disease:

  • Lagophthalmos — incomplete eyelid closure leads to chronic corneal exposure, particularly during sleep
  • Exophthalmos — prominent globes increase surface area exposed to trauma and desiccation
  • Reduced blink frequency — compromised tear film distribution across the cornea
  • Nasal fold entropion — chronic irritation from hair contact in some individuals

Dogs with concurrent keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS, or dry eye) are at elevated risk regardless of breed. Tear film deficiency impairs the cornea’s natural defense mechanisms, allowing bacterial colonization of minor epithelial defects that would otherwise resolve.

For any brachycephalic patient with a corneal ulcer — even one that appears superficial on first exam — monitor closely and lower your threshold for treating as a potential melting case. What looks like a routine ulcer on Monday can be a descemetocele by Wednesday.

When Standard Treatment Stalls: Adding Amniotic Drops to the Protocol

Once the acute enzymatic phase is controlled — infection managed, enzyme activity interrupted, the cornea stabilizing — the next challenge is regeneration. The damaged epithelium needs to migrate, the stroma needs to remodel, and the healing cascade needs to complete. This is where the tissue environment matters.

Amniotic membrane extract eye drops support this regenerative phase through documented mechanisms. Amniotic tissue is rich in growth factors including EGF (epidermal growth factor), HGF, and FGF that drive corneal epithelial migration. It also modulates the inflammatory environment — skewing from the destructive M1 macrophage phenotype toward the reparative M2 phenotype — and suppresses TGF-β-mediated fibrosis, which determines whether the healed cornea has clarity or scar.

A 2025 retrospective study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science evaluated amniotic membrane extract eye drops (AMEED) in dogs with chronic corneal defects that had failed to heal with standard therapy. The AMEED-treated group showed a 77.8% healing success rate (7 of 9 eyes) compared to 27.2% (3 of 11 eyes) in the control group — a substantial improvement in cases where conventional management had reached its ceiling. No adverse effects were reported.

EyeQ brings this mechanism to practice in a ready-to-use amniotic eye drop format. Trusted by over 90% of veterinary ophthalmologists and used in over 100,000 eyes, EyeQ supports the corneal healing environment at the point where anticollagenase therapy has done its job and the tissue needs to rebuild.

The clinical protocol addition is straightforward: once the melting is controlled and the ulcer is stable or improving, introduce EyeQ alongside your topical antibiotic. It does not replace anticollagenase therapy in the acute phase — it supports the regenerative phase that follows. For cases at risk of incomplete healing, corneal scarring, or slow re-epithelialization, the amniotic approach adds a biologically active layer to the treatment plan.

Setting Client Expectations

Melting ulcer cases are stressful for clients. The urgency, the intensive treatment schedule, and the possibility of surgical referral create anxiety that affects compliance. Clear, confident communication at every recheck builds trust and keeps clients on protocol.

When adding amniotic drops to the plan, framing matters: “We’ve controlled the active melting — now we’re adding drops that work with your dog’s own healing biology to help the cornea rebuild cleanly.” Clients respond well to mechanism-based explanations that make the treatment feel purposeful rather than experimental.

The Clinical Bottom Line

Melting corneal ulcers in dogs are an emergency — not an urgent appointment. The window between “controlled melting” and “surgical case” is narrow, and the difference between globe-saving and globe-losing outcomes often comes down to treatment intensity in the first 48 to 72 hours.

The protocol is multimodal: aggressive topical antibiotic coverage, anticollagenase therapy started immediately, and a clear escalation plan in place before you need it. Once the acute phase is stabilized, amniotic eye drops support the corneal environment through the regenerative phase — reducing the risk of scarring and improving the biological conditions for complete healing.

EyeQ is built for exactly this stage of corneal recovery. Learn more about how amniotic drops support your melting ulcer cases at RethinkHealing.com.

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KCS in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, and More

amniotic eye dropsKeratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), often referred to as dry eye, is inflammation of the cornea and surrounding tissues due to inadequate production of tears. Tears are necessary to lubricate the cornea and remove debris or any infectious agents that come in contact with the eye. The tear film is a mixture of mucus, fatty liquid, and water.

Symptoms of KCS in Dogs

Most dogs with KCS will have painful, red, irritated eyes. Squinting and excessive blinking often signal a dog’s mom or dad to get their pet to a veterinary professional for treatment. Additionally, KCS often includes symptoms of thick, yellowish mucous discharge due to the lack of the watery component of the tear film. Corneal ulceration may also be present.

Patients with chronic cases of KCS often present with a history of conjunctivitis, eye injuries, and ulcers. Corneal scarring, hyperpigmentation, usually occurs with cases of KCS and looks like a dark film covering the dog’s eye.

Is A Dog More Likely to Contract KCS Because of Their Breed?

KCS most commonly affects middle-aged to older dogs. It’s more likely to be seen in the following breeds:

  • American Cocker Spaniel
  • Bloodhound
  • Boston Terrier
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  • English Bulldog
  • English Springer Spaniel
  • Lhasa Apso
  • Miniature Schnauzer
  • Pekingese
  • Pug
  • Samoyed
  • Shih Tzu
  • Yorkshire Terrier

Both eyes are typically affected in dogs with KCS, but one eye may appear worse.

Treatment of KCS in Dogs

There are two main objectives when treating KCS in dogs:

  • Stimulate tear production
  • Replace the tear film and protect the cornea

Tear film replacement and tear production stimulants are often used in combination first. However, Veterinarians manage most KCS cases in dogs with a combination of tear stimulants, tear substitutes, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatories. Surgery for KCS is reserved for dogs who do not respond to medication and are experiencing persistent pain. Secondary bacterial conjunctivitis is common in dogs with KCS due to debris accumulation and a lack of natural antimicrobial tear properties. Additionally, patients often experience much discomfort and pain with KCS and the ulceration that often accompanies it. Anti-inflammatory and antibiotic combinations are helpful for improving comfort and diminishing corneal opacities.

Vetrix created a solution for veterinarians, EyeQ Amniotic Eye Drops, to deliver natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory components alongside traditional therapies when treating KCS. EyeQ is an easy-to-use, non-surgical option for treating corneal defects and ulcers and keeping a dog as comfortable as possible throughout treatment. What’s more, EyeQ allows easy administration for veterinarians and dog owners alike. The medicine comes in a convenient dropper bottle and is available to veterinary professionals in 6-pack, 12-pack, and 24-pack options.

Provide The Best Care for Your Dog

Getting attached to dogs you see regularly (even if they aren’t your dog) is easy. We can all agree that when it comes to treating dogs with KCS, all we want is for the animal to get better. If you’re a Vet who intends to provide the best care for the KCS and ulcer cases you see in dogs, try out a 6-pack of EyeQ for yourself. If you’re not completely satisfied, Vetrix will work with you to return your purchase.

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Corneal Uclers in Pets: Symptoms, Treatment & More

Eye Drops for Pets

The cornea, which is transparent in normal conditions, covers the front part of the eye and allows light to pass into the eye. The eyelids cover the cornea to protect it from trauma and help spread tears (essential to corneal health). Most corneal ulcers in pets result from trauma, such as scratches, dry eye, eyelid anomalies, or abrasions due to foreign objects in the eye.

Corneal Ulcer Symptoms

A corneal ulcer is an open wound within the cornea. Ulcers are painful for pets; most heal within a week if appropriately treated. However, if a corneal ulcer becomes infected, it can quickly turn into a deep wound. The most common symptoms of corneal ulcers to watch for in pets include the following:

  • Squinting
  • Redness
  • Ocular discharge
  • Excessive Blinking
  • Excessive tears
  • Swelling
  • The eye appears cloudy

If the ulcer results from a tear deficiency, you may see a thick discharge resembling mucous that ranges from transparent to white, green, or yellow. If you are a cat parent, a dog parent, or a veterinarian who wants to provide helpful materials to your patients of specific pets, please read the following information:

Corneal Ulcer Diagnosis

Any of the signs mentioned above should prompt pet parents to make an appointment with their veterinarian. The vet will use several diagnostic methods at the appointment to accurately diagnose the ulcer. Once the affected eye (or eyes) are examined, your vet will discuss the best possible treatment plan.

Corneal Ulcer Treatment

How a pet’s corneal ulcer is treated is determined by the type of animal in need of treatment and the type of ulcer they are being treated for. Treating corneal ulcers properly from the start is crucial to ensuring a pet’s comfort and healing without further complications or damage to its vision. Mild corneal ulcers will usually heal on their own in 3-7 days, depending on the size of the ulcer. While healing, vets may recommend a treatment plan to prevent further damage or cornea infections. 

Here are common treatments used to treat corneal ulcers in pets:

  • Antibiotic eye drops or ointments to prevent infections
  • Pain medication to keep your pet comfortable
  • An E-collar to prevent your pet from rubbing and allow the cornea to heal properly
  • Regenerative eye drops 

Regenerative eye drops, like Vetrix EyeQ Eye Drops, are a simple way to provide regenerative care for a pet’s eye. Regenerative medicine works with the body’s natural abilities to heal itself. EyeQ Eye Drops deliver natural anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory components to aid in healing corneal ulcers in pets. 

As part of the healing process, a follow-up care plan must be issued and adhered to by the patient. Pets should continue treatment with all prescribed medications until a veterinarian says the ulcer has fully healed.

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Corneal Ulcer Dog Treatment

The canine eye is much more resilient than a lot of people would expect to trauma, but this is still one of the most at-risk parts of the dog’s body. For this reason, corneal ulcers are quite the common reason for a visit to the vet.

While common, corneal ulcers should never be treated as a general situation that does not require veterinary or medical intervention. If the ulcer does not heal properly, the dog’s visual capabilities can be affected. Below, we will take a look at what a corneal ulcer actually is, what causes it, and how the condition may be treated.

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What Is the Cornea of a Dog’s Eye?

The cornea, simply put, is the thin membrane that covers the forward-facing part of the eyeball. The membrane is completely transparent, almost like a window that protects the inner structures of the eye. The full cornea is about half as thick as a dime.

The dog’s cornea, much like a human’s cornea, is made up of different layers: the outer layer of epithelium, the interior layer of stroma, and the Descemet membrane at the deepest point. All three layers of the cornea are clear, making it impossible to discern between them with the naked eye. In order to examine the cornea, veterinarians use special pigmented eye drops with a green dye that highlights cells of specific layers of the cornea.

What Is a Corneal Ulcer?

Corneal ulcers are abrasions (sores) of the outer surface of the eye that protects the pupil, iris, and aqueous humor. Medically, corneal ulcers may be referred to as ulcerative keratitis. The abrasion causes inflammation, swelling, and can be slow to heal depending on the depth of the trauma. The ulcers in a dog’s cornea can range in severity from superficial to deep, depending on which layers of the cornea are injured.

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Types of Corneal Ulcers in Dogs

Corneal ulceration can be superficial or a deeper problem that reaches into the corneal stroma, and sometimes all the way into the Descemet’s membrane. Here is a more thorough explanation of some of the types of corneal ulcers that dogs can have.

Superficial Ulcers

Superficial ulcers are sometimes referred to as superficial corneal abrasion or corneal erosion, and they affect only the epithelium layer. Superficial corneal ulcers are the easiest to treat and often do not require medical intervention to heal properly. However, topical antibiotics for the corneal surface may be vet-recommended until the ulcer heals.

Stromal Ulcers

Stromal ulcers affect the corneal stroma and can be much more threatening to the eye and the dog’s comfort level. The stroma is actually laced with nerves, which means damage to this layer of the cornea can bring about significant pain for the dog. Stromal ulcers take longer to heal than superficial corneal abrasions, and medical intervention with antibiotic eye drops is often a must to prevent infection.

Descemetoceles and Perforations

Ulcers that reach into the Descemet’s membrane are referred to as descemetoceles. When an ulcer actually goes completely through the Descemet’s membrane, this is referred to as corneal perforation. 

Both descemetoceles and perforations may need to be surgically treated in an effort to preserve the eye, even though an aggressive effort to medicinally manage the problem may suffice for some dogs. Serious complications, such as vision loss and a need to remove the eye are more common with these types of ulcers.

Indolent Ulcers

Indolent ulcers, which are also referred to as spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs), are non-healing ulcers that are usually caused by trauma. These ulcers are more common in older dogs, most often diagnosed around eight or nine years of age. 

Even though by definition an indolent ulcer is superficial, sometimes, an indolent ulcer will actually get infected and affect the stroma. With this particular type of ulcer, improper healing can be to blame; the surface layer epithelium can actually be loosely attached to the underlying stroma.

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How a Corneal Ulcer Occurs

Corneal ulcers in dogs can occur for several reasons, even though the biggest causative factor is usually some type of trauma to the dog’s eye. A dog’s eye may sustain trauma by a direct, blunt hit to the eye, foreign material under its eyelid, and even just by scratching with its own paws and nails.

A few other causes of corneal ulcers in dogs include:

  • Illness or disease
  • Lacking tear production
  • Eyelid rolling or inability to close the eyelids
  • Chemical burns
  • Eye infections
  • Facial nerve paralysis that affects eyelid movement

Some dog breeds can actually be more prone to corneal ulcers than others due to the shape of their eyes and the surrounding lids. For example, breeds with shorter noses and prominent eyes that seem to protrude a bit from the face like Pugs and Boxers, are more likely to sustain corneal ulcers.

Signs and Symptoms of a Corneal Ulcer in Dogs

One of the good things about corneal ulcers is the fact that most dog owners will readily recognize that something is wrong with their dog’s eye so they can seek veterinary care. A few signs and symptoms during the initial stages of a corneal ulcer include:

  • Ocular discharge
  • Squinting
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Watery eyes
  • Pawing at the eyes
  • Holding the eye closed
  • Redness or inflammation of the eye
  • Film development over the eye

Usually, dogs will show signs that their eye is injured or causing problems a lot during the first few days after the trauma occurs.

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How Does a Corneal Ulcer Affect Your Dog?

Dogs with corneal ulcers may be affected in different ways depending on the severity of the condition. Sometimes, a surface-layer abrasion won’t seem to make much of a difference to the dog or the dog’s ability to see and get around. However, deeper abrasions can be painful and have a higher likelihood of affecting the dog’s vision.

Even though trauma to the eye is assumed to always be painful, this may not be the case with every corneal ulcer. While the issue can be recognizable upon visual inspection, injury to the corneal surface may only cause some slight discomfort, so a dog may not be in pain or show any major signs of distress.

Unfortunately, however, some corneal ulcers can be painful. As noted above, abrasions that go deeper than the corneal epithelium can be extremely uncomfortable for the dog. The vet may offer pain-relieving eye drops because of this.

Can a Dog Go Blind from a Corneal Ulcer?

Dogs can lose their vision to a corneal ulcer, especially if the condition is left untreated or if the proper steps are not taken to promote healing. For example, if the dog has a stromal ulcer, which carries a high risk of infection, and the condition is left untreated with antibiotic drops and gets infected, the chance the dog will lose its sight is high.

Another important factor, a scar on the surface of the cornea that develops during the healing process can lead to corneal opacity. This makes part of the eye appear as if it has clouded over, but it also makes it impossible for light to properly get to the optic nerve. Therefore, the dog’s visual capacity can be affected. In some cases, the right treatments during the healing process can help deter heavy scar formation.

Corneal opacity caused by scarring after an ulcer should not be confused with corneal dystrophy. Corneal dystrophy also causes opacity, but this is a result of some kind of genetic malfunction that interferes with how the dog’s body metabolizes fat. Fatty deposits can collect in the eye and cause similar cloudiness that impedes visual capacity over time.

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Typical Corneal Ulcer Dog Treatment

Treatment for corneal ulcers in canines depends on the type of ulcer diagnosed. General corneal abrasions may need no treatment at all; the mild abrasions may heal on their own within a few days. Nevertheless, medication may be used as a preventive measure to prevent an ophthalmic infection. Some of the more typical methods of treating corneal ulcers include:

  • Antibiotic eye drops
  • Topical antibiotic ointments
  • Eye drops with a pain reliever

When surgery is necessary to treat a corneal ulcer, a few different procedures may be used. For example, corneal diamond burr debridement surgery is a procedure performed with a diamond burr that gently removes the damaged corneal tissue to promote proper healing.

Regenerative Care for Canine Corneal Ulcers

Treating corneal defects is not an easy feat; so many things can inhibit the healing process and cause problems for the dog’s vision for the long term. Ideally, treatment would help the corneal tissue regenerate and repair itself with little disruption to the dog’s vision. Therefore, a more modern inclusion tactic in the treatment of corneal ulcers is using regenerative solutions.EyeQ Eye Drops from Vetrix is an easy way to offer regenerative care to the dog’s eye. These amniotic eye drops utilize innate growth factors and other components that modulate inflammation, offer just enough lubrication for protection, and promote healing by encouraging cellular growth. To find out more about EyeQ Eye Drops and corneal ulcers in canines, be sure to download the Corneal Ulcer Quick Guide.

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Product Case Study: Vetrix EyeQ Amniotic Eye Drops

If you often treat patients in your practice with corneal ulcers and defects, then Vetrix EyeQ Amniotic Eye Drops may be a solution for you to offer them. These eye drops promote healing, modulate inflammation, and provide long-lasting lubrication. Keep reading to see how they helped a 9-year-old terrier mix canine from losing his eye.

The Patient & The Problem

After trying every medication recommended by their primary veterinarian, pet owners were referred to Board Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist, Dr. Kirsten Steele. Their dog’s eye condition was continuing to get worse. If his condition didn’t improve, his eye would need to be removed.

Before trying Vetrix EyeQ Amniotic Eye Drops, Dr. Steele used various treatment methods that yielded no improvement to the dog’s corneas. She then started treatment using Vetrix EyeQ in the eye with ulcers, intending to treat both the ulcer and the inflammation. Within two weeks, the owners reported the corneal ulcers completely healed. Their dog would no longer need to have his eye removed.

Vetrix EyeQ Amniotic Eye Drops—The Solution

After reporting an increase in comfort while on the Amniotic Eye Drops, Dr. Steele recommended use in both eyes to treat the dry eye. She started the dog out on a TID medication schedule and then decreased to BID. Dr. Steele reported that while the eyes were not producing tears and were still a bit inflamed, there was a reduction in blepharospasm. She decided to keep the pet on traditional tear stimulant medications to help with conjunctival goblet cell health.

Dr. Steele achieved complete healing of the ulcers using Vetrix EyeQ Amniotic Eye Drops and restarted a topical steroid and antibiotic combination to treat the remaining inflammation. She reported that the Eye Drops were an effective solution for a patient that wasn’t responding to traditional treatments for dry eye.

The Part We Love

The owners are overjoyed and relieved that their dog doesn’t have to have his eye removed. They’re also grateful that his ulcers and dry eye are under control, that he is no longer in pain, and that his eyesight is improving. Now he can be the energetic and playful pup he once was.
If you think our EyeQ Amniotic Eye Drops may be helpful for patients in your practice, or you’d like more information, contact us here. We’d love to answer any questions you may have! And if you’d like to read more interesting information on topics like this, visit our blog.

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