Supports healthy joints, lean muscle, and beautiful coat for large breed dogs
Supports lean muscle, for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Grain free, easy-to-digest food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
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While corneal ulcers in dogs are more common among certain breeds, all dogs are at risk of developing them. Read on to learn about the diagnosis and treatment of a dog with a corneal ulcer, plus get tips for prevention.
The cornea is the clear outermost layer of the front of the eye that helps contain the eye's jelly-like filling. The cornea is made up of tissues that are tough enough to withstand light bumps and minor injuries, but delicate enough to let light pass through unimpeded for terrific eyesight.
The cornea is covered by a thin layer of cells called the corneal epithelium. When this surface layer is breached and cells here are damaged or dislodged, it results in an injury called a corneal ulcer.
The superficial layer of the cornea can be damaged as a result of the following:
Corneal ulcers in dogs can also develop when the corneal epithelium becomes diseased or infected. Minor injuries can lead to complications if they get infected. Primary infections of an otherwise healthy eye can also happen with some aggressive viruses and fungi.
Dogs can also develop a corneal ulcer for an unknown reason. In these cases, the condition is called indolent ulceration or spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects. This mostly occurs in dogs older than 6 years old.
The most common signs of corneal ulcers in dogs include:
Corneal ulcers are fairly easy to diagnose by a veterinarian. Some dogs will have obvious changes to the surface of the eye. Most, however, will need a simple diagnostic test involving fluorescein dye to stain the cornea, thereby making it easier to see where there is damage.
Corneal ulcers can affect dogs of any breed at any life stage. However, young dogs are generally more likely to suffer a trauma that causes a corneal ulcer, since they tend to get themselves into more trouble.
Dogs born with bulging eyes, dry eyes or an eyelid shape or structure that makes them prone to dry eyes or rubbing injuries — as seen in bloodhounds and Shar-Peis — predisposes them to corneal ulcers. Indolent ulcers are most often seen in golden retrievers and boxers.
Most genetic conditions that predispose a dog to corneal ulcers come to the surface in middle-aged or senior dogs.
While corneal ulcers shouldn't cause panic, they are notoriously painful and it's important to get your dog to the veterinarian right away if you suspect they have one. Untreated corneal ulcers can lead to vision loss and, in rare cases, may require eye removal.
The usual treatment for a dog with a corneal ulcer includes topical antibiotics and pain relievers (eye drops) multiple times a day. Sometimes oral and even injectable medications are also prescribed or administered. Dogs with corneal ulcers that are properly treated almost always maintain their vision.
Surgery may be necessary if there's extensive damage to the cornea. Depending on the severity of the corneal ulcer, your vet may recommend seeing a veterinary eye specialist called an ophthalmologist.
Administering all medicines as prescribed may be daunting, but it's absolutely crucial you follow your vet's instructions. Keeping your dog from rubbing their affected eye is also important, so have your dog wear a high-quality dog cone and restrict their exercise.
Treating a corneal ulcer takes time, effort and lots of patience. Ultimately, corneal ulcers in dogs have a high treatment success rate and are often preventable in dogs who are predisposed to eye problems.
Finally, know that good nutrition is fundamental for your dog's general eye health. Dogs need balanced and complete dog food to aid proper eye development as puppies and to get adequate eye support as adults and into their senior years.
Dr. Patty Khuly is an award-winning veterinarian known for her independent thinking, her spirited pet advocacy, her passion for the veterinary profession, and her famously irreverent pet health writing.
Dr. K is an honors graduate of both Wellesley College and the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She received her MBA at The Wharton School of Business as part of the prestigious VMD/MBA dual-degree program. She now owns Sunset Animal Clinic, a veterinary practice in Miami, Florida.
Supports healthy joints, lean muscle, and beautiful coat for large breed dogs
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Supports lean muscle, for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
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Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.