Corneal Ulcers in Dogs
A corneal ulcer in a dog is a painful surface injury to the clear outer layer of the eye. Because the cornea contains many nerve endings, even a small ulcer can cause significant discomfort. Without timely treatment, ulcers can become infected, deepen, perforate, and threaten vision. At the Veterinary Eye Center – Connecticut, our doctors provide advanced diagnostics and targeted treatment for corneal disease in CT, helping protect your dog’s comfort and long-term eye health.
Explore VEC CT Care.png)
.png)
What Is a Corneal Ulcer?
The cornea is the transparent front surface of the eye that allows light to enter. A corneal ulcer occurs when the outer protective layer is disrupted, exposing the sensitive underlying tissue.
Corneal ulcers are painful because the cornea is densely supplied with nerves. Even minor surface injuries can cause:
- Significant discomfort
- Light sensitivity
- Reflex squinting
Signs of a Corneal Ulcer
If left untreated, ulcers may become infected, deepen, or progress to perforation, which can threaten both vision and the eye itself. If your dog has a corneal ulcer, you may notice:
- Squinting or holding the eye closed
- Excessive tearing
- Pawing or rubbing at the eye
- Redness of the eye or surrounding tissues
- Cloudiness or a visible defect on the eye surface
Any of these signs warrant prompt evaluation for dog eye injury treatment.
Corneal Conditions We TreatCauses of a Corneal Ulcer
Corneal ulcers can develop for several reasons, including:
- Trauma (scratches from play, vegetation, or grooming accidents)
- Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), which reduces protective tear production
- Bacterial or fungal infection
- Eyelid abnormalities or foreign material
Identifying the underlying cause is essential for proper healing and to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Diagnosis of Corneal Disease
At our Connecticut location, we perform a comprehensive ophthalmic examination to diagnose corneal ulcers and other forms of corneal disease. Diagnostic tools may include:
- Fluorescein staining, a special dye that highlights corneal defects
- Slit-lamp biomicroscopy, which allows detailed magnified evaluation of the cornea
- Tear testing and intraocular pressure measurement when indicated
These tests help us determine the depth, severity, and presence of infection so we can tailor treatment appropriately.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the ulcer. For many patients, therapy may include:
- Medicated antibiotic eye drops
- Pain management
- Protective contact or healing collagen lens placement, when indicated
For more severe or infected ulcers, advanced therapies may be required, such as:
- Targeted antibiotic therapy
- Plasma or amnion eye drops
- Conjunctival grafts or amniotic/biologic membrane grafts
- Surgical repair to stabilize deep or perforated ulcers
Our goal is to relieve pain quickly, prevent complications, and preserve vision whenever possible.
When Is It an Emergency?
Corneal ulcers can worsen rapidly, particularly if infection is present. Sudden squinting, a cloudy or blue appearance to the eye, discharge, or signs of significant pain should be treated as urgent. Infected or deep ulcers can progress to corneal perforation, which requires immediate specialty care. Early intervention significantly improves outcomes.