Dog Eye Ulcer/Scratch. How a vet will fix them and why they are hard to fix sometimes.

Hi Everyone,

My name is Dan, and I am a veterinarian. Today I am talking about a scratch eye or corneal ulcer in the dog.

A corneal ulcer in a dog is a painful and potentially serious eye condition. It occurs when the outer layer of the cornea (the clear surface of the eye) is damaged or eroded, often due to trauma, infection, or underlying eye disease.

Causes of Corneal Ulcers in Dogs
Trauma: Scratches from paws, sticks, or other objects
Foreign bodies: Dirt, sand, or grass trapped under the eyelid
Dry eye (KCS): Inadequate tear production reduces corneal protection
Infections: Bacterial, fungal, or viral agents
Entropion: Inward-rolling eyelids causing lashes to rub the eye
Chemical exposure: Shampoos or irritants
Underlying disease: Diabetes, immune-mediated conditions

Symptoms to Watch For
Squinting or excessive blinking
Redness of the eye
Eye discharge (clear, yellow, or green)
Cloudiness or a bluish haze over the eye
Pawing at the face or rubbing on furniture
Sensitivity to light
Visible defect or spot on the cornea

How Vets Diagnose It
Fluorescein stain test: A green dye highlights corneal damage

Ophthalmic exam: Assess depth, presence of infection, or foreign material

Tear tests: To rule out dry eye

Treatment Options
Superficial ulcers:

Antibiotic eye drops or ointments (prevent infection)

Pain relief (e.g., atropine drops or oral meds)

Elizabethan collar (E-collar) to prevent rubbing

Indolent ulcers (non-healing):

May require debridement or a procedure like grid keratotomy

Deep ulcers or perforations:

May require surgery (e.g., conjunctival grafts)

Client Education: Always talk to your veterinarian if your dog has an ulcer. Getting your dog's eye seen and treated as soon as possible is very important.

Видео Dog Eye Ulcer/Scratch. How a vet will fix them and why they are hard to fix sometimes. канала Dan The Veterinarian