The dog’s cornea acts like a window, letting light in while also serving as a protective barrier. When the surface gets damaged, it can form an ulcer. A corneal ulcer in a dog is an open sore on the clear, outer layer of the eye.
Key Takeaways
Corneal ulcers are open sores on the dog’s eye surface, causing intense pain, discomfort, tearing, and irritation.
It’s commonly caused by trauma and foreign bodies, with other causes including infections, genetics, eye conditions, and metabolic diseases.
Eye ulcers in dogs can be treated with medical management, surgery, and consistent supportive care.
What Are the Types of Eye Ulcers in Dogs?
Type of Ulcer | Description |
|---|---|
Superficial Ulcer | Affects only the outermost layer without penetrating the deeper tissues. |
Stromal Ulcer | A deeper and more painful corneal ulcer that extends beyond the top layer and into the middle layer, or the stroma. |
Indolent Ulcer | Also called "non-healing" ulcers or spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defect (SCCED). |
Descemetocele | A severe type that occurs when the ulcer reaches the deepest layer, exposing Descemet's membrane. |
Perforated Ulcer | This happens when the ulcer has eroded through all the layers of the cornea, causing the eye to rupture. |
What Are the Symptoms of Corneal Ulcers in Dogs?
The signs of a corneal ulcer in dogs will consist of physical and behavioral changes. These include:
Excessive Squinting and Blinking. One of the most obvious signs of an eye problem, including corneal ulcers, is excessive squinting and blinking.
Sensitivity to Light. Dogs with corneal ulcers may become sensitive to light, making them avoid rooms with bright light. You may notice them hiding and seeking dimly lit areas.
Redness and Swelling. These are common signs that manifest on the sclera and the surrounding tissues, indicating eye irritation and inflammation.
Tearing and Discharge. You may notice tearing and discharge in response to eye irritation. Some discharge may appear green or yellow if a secondary infection is present.
Cloudiness at the Eye. Corneal ulcers can make a dog’s corneas look hazy and cloudy. In some cases, a specific spot can appear white, which is where the ulcer has typically formed. This is because the ulcer allows fluid to seep in and cause the cloudiness.
Pawing and Rubbing at the Eye. Dogs may constantly paw at their eyes or rub them on furniture. This makes the condition worse.
What Causes Dog Corneal Ulcers?
Eye ulcers can be caused by trauma, eye infections, breed-related factors, eye conditions, and other health conditions.
Trauma and Foreign Bodies
Trauma, injuries, and foreign bodies are some of the most common causes of corneal ulcers in dogs. This can take the form of:
Scratches from animal fights
Irritation from grass, dust, or sand
Sharp objects poking the eyes
The cornea is very delicate, which means that even smaller and minor abrasions can cause damage.
Infections
Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can cause or worsen corneal ulcers. Canine herpesvirus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species are common culprits.
Infections can progress quickly, turning a minor ulcer into a much more serious and vision-threatening wound if not treated early.
Breed Predisposition
Some dogs, including brachycephalic breeds, are at higher risk of developing corneal ulcers. These dogs have flat faces and prominent eyes, which leaves their eyes vulnerable to injuries and infections. This includes dogs such as:
Dry Eye
Tears provide a lubricating layer of protection, but when they’re not produced sufficiently, a dog’s eyes can be vulnerable. In dogs with dry eye, their corneas dry out, become inflamed, and break down. This increases the risk of injury, irritation, and infections.
Eyelid Abnormalities
Eyelid abnormalities, such as entropion, can also cause and contribute to corneal ulcers in dogs. It occurs when eyelashes or fur constantly irritate the eyes because the eyelids roll inward. Other conditions include ectropion and eyelid tumors.
Other Health Issues
Corneal ulcers in dogs can also be caused by health issues like diabetes, Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism, and other endocrine issues.
It’s often a serious condition that requires urgent veterinary care, mainly because the eye is a delicate part of the body. Without immediate attention, this can lead to infection, scarring, and even vision loss.
In this blog, we’ll talk about everything you need to know about corneal ulcers in dogs, right from the common signs to how our vets treat them.
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