How to Tell if a Canine Corneal Ulcer Is Healing

Dogs develop eye problems just as humans do. A canine corneal ulcer can occur from rough play, a scratch, an infection, an ingrown eyelash or a simple poke in the eye. It is a common problem, especially on breeds with prominent eyes, such as those on the boxer, the pug, the Pekingese, the shih tzu and the Boston terrier. A corneal ulcer may be superficial, healing quickly; or complications may set in and cause a more serious situation, including potentially the loss of the eye. Always consult an experienced veterinarian regarding the health and treatment of your pet's eye.

  1. Symptoms

    • The cornea is the thin tissue that covers the outer surface of the eyeball. A canine corneal ulcer can begin when this tissue gets scratched or nicked during rough play, from reaching into a bush to retrieve a ball or from the dog riding in the car with his head out the window. Symptoms of a corneal ulcer include pain, a tightly closed eye, and tearing, discharge or redness, according to Dr. Andrea Astudillo of Pet Medical Center in California. Many ulcers of the cornea heal successfully on their own, according to the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation. If the eye improves on its own -- that is, if the dog has no symptoms -- there is no need for treatment.

    Visiting the Vet

    • If your dog's eye does not heal on its own within a few days, a trip to the vet is in order. Your veterinarian will detect and diagnose the ulcer by applying a fluorescent stain to the eye and viewing it under a special light. There may be cloudiness on the lens. If the ulcer is superficial, your dog's treatment at that time may include topical antibiotic for a week or more. This antibiotic is to prevent bacteria from penetrating the nick or scratch and causing an infection in the deeper layers of the eye. You must apply the medication for the length of time determined by your veterinarian. Simple, superficial corneal ulcers usually heal within five to seven days of treatment, according to Claws and Paws Veterinary Hospital in Pearland, Texas.

    Recheck Exam

    • Since a corneal ulcer is difficult to detect with the naked eye, it may be difficult for you to know if the corneal ulcer is healing. Your vet will want to see your dog on a followup visit to determine that the antibiotics are working. If the antibiotic treatment is not successful, the ulcer may get deeper and require periodic epithelial debridement, which removes the outer non-adhering layer of the cornea with a cotton swab and promotes healing, according to Dr. Astudillo. Ointments and eye drops are necessary until the eye heals. A common procedure called grid keratotomy -- where small scratches are placed on the cornea to provide anchor points for new, healthy epithelium -- may be necessary for indolent, or non-healing ulcers, according to Bruce S. Silverman, DVM, veterinary opthalmologist.

    Complications

    • A canine corneal ulcer can be an especially painful experience for your pet, and the healing process may be difficult and long, often taking up to nine months to fully heal. If left untreated, the ulcer can become deeper; in worst-case scenarios, there could be a corneal melting, possibly leading to the loss of the eye, according to Dr. Silverman. Deep ulcers are an emergency and may require a conjunctival pedicle graft to attach the blood-rich conjunctiva or "pink" tissue to the cornea. Once in place, the graft is sutured with dissolvable material to aid healing.