  |
|
|
|
Corneal ulcers in dogs and cats are a common ailment that can be easily diagnosed and treated by a qualified veterinarian.
The cornea is the transparent, dome shaped covering over the eye. The cornea is usually clear and shiny because it doesn't have any blood vessels, that way light can shine through uninterrupted. The cornea does have many nerve fibers that are associated with pain receptors. The cornea is made up of many layers; it's job is to refract light and help the eye to focus. The first layer of the cornea also serves as protection from microorganisms entering the eye. What are corneal ulcers –The cornea consists of four layers, an ulcer is a hole in the first layer exposing the underlying layers. When this first layer is damaged the surface of the eye is no longer smooth and bacteria can now enter the eye causing the eye to become painful. The corneal ulcer can deepen and widen and involve deeper layers of the cornea. In these severe cases the infection can involve other parts of the eye and the damage may or may not be repairable. Causes of corneal ulcers –The cause of a corneal ulcer can be anything that causes an abrasion to the eye. Dogs that rub their face with their paw, scratch to the eye by another animal, thorns, grass seeds, and foreign objects are all common causes for ulcers. Symptoms of corneal ulcers –The symptoms for a corneal ulcer include but not limited too: squinting and redness, and there may or may not be yellow or green discharge. Ulcers are extremely painful so the animal might paw at the effected eye. Diagnosis of corneal ulcers –A complete eye examination is done in order to diagnose a corneal ulcer. The veterinarian will look for foreign objects and hairs. A special dye called fluorescein dye is applied to the eye, the ulcer will absorb the dye and fluoresce green making diagnosis easy. Treatment of corneal ulcers –Treatment generally includes an eye drop for pain, usually Atropine 1%. An antibiotic ointment will also be used 4 – 6 times a day. In some cases an e-collar (looks like a lamp shade) is placed around the animals neck to prevent the animal from continuing to paw the eye and do further damage. Another treatment option is surgical. The veterinarian can pull the third eyelid over the cornea and stitch in place. This eyelid flap provides nourishment to the ulcerated cornea and aids in healing to severely damaged corneas. The sutures will usually be removed in 10 – 28 days and the healing is assessed, at that time the veterinarian can make his/her next recommendation. Medications are usually still applied to the affected eye while the flap is in place but the ulcer is not visible. Additional Information –
Related Articles - Cherry Eye
The copyright of the article Corneal Ulcers in Pet Diseases is owned by Charla Dawson. Permission to republish Corneal Ulcers in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
