A corneal ulcer is a break
in the outer layer or epithelium of the cornea. Uncomplicated ulcers,
although initially painful, should heal in 3 to 4 days with appropriate
treatment. Those ulcers that persist longer than this period often
prove to be complicated ulcers.
Corneal ulcers will fail to heal for
two general reasons. The first set of reasons would be due to external
causes. These causes would include entropion - an abnormal rolling
in of the eyelid, or trichiasis - facial hair which is in contact with
the eye as a result of facial conformation. Also, foreign bodies
lurking behind the third eyelid, embedded within the eyelid or in the cornea
itself, and abnormally placed eyelashes - called ectopic cilia - are causes
of ongoing corneal trauma.
The external cause must be discovered
and resolved first then the corneal ulcer can have a chance to heal.
The second set of reasons that Corneal
ulcers will fail to heal are for "Internal" reasons. These would
include glaucoma, the lack of tear production, and inflammation of the
eye itself. Sometimes the tissue itself fails to heal in a normal
fashion. This process is recognized in certain breeds, like the boxer,
and older dogs and is sometimes referred to as a "boxer ulcer". Another
term for this type of ulcer is "indolent."
Corneal ulcers are a frequent problem
in veterinary medicine. Your regular veterinarian is equipped to
evaluate and manage most of the non complicated problems. Those animals
with severe or chronic eye disease are referred for evaluation to the veterinary
ophthalmologist who is especially trained and equipped to treat unusual
ocular disease in pets.
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