Eye problems in dogs can appear suddenly. One minute your dog seems perfectly comfortable; the next, they may be squinting, rubbing their face or refusing to open an eye.
One possible cause is a corneal ulcer. These painful injuries to the surface of the eye can sometimes heal relatively quickly with the right treatment, but more complicated ulcers may become infected, fail to heal, or threaten a dog’s sight. For that reason, a sore or closed eye should always be taken seriously.
We can assess eye problems and provide ophthalmology care, with access to a visiting ophthalmologist for cases requiring more specialist investigation or treatment.
What is an eye ulcer?
An eye ulcer, or corneal ulcer, is damage to the cornea – the clear, transparent surface covering the front of the eye.
Although the cornea has a good ability to repair itself, an ulcer can become infected or extend into deeper layers if it does not heal normally. Deeper ulcers are more serious because they have a greater risk of serious damage to the eye, including rupture in the most severe cases.
This is why early veterinary assessment matters, even if the initial injury appears small.
What are the symptoms of an eye ulcer in dogs?
Corneal ulcers are often painful, so changes in your dog’s behaviour may be the first thing you notice.
Typical signs include:
- Squinting or keeping one eye closed
- Excessive blinking
- Rubbing or pawing at the eye
- Increased tear production
- Redness around the eye
- Eye discharge
- A cloudy, hazy or milky appearance
- Sensitivity around the face or eye
- Becoming quieter or uncomfortable
There are three particularly common symptoms often described as the “PLB Triad”: pain, lachrymation (watery eyes) and blepharospasm (holding the eyelids tightly closed).
Because similar symptoms can occur with several different eye conditions, it is difficult to tell at home whether your dog has an ulcer, conjunctivitis, a foreign body or another problem.
If your dog suddenly develops a painful, cloudy or closed eye, get in touch with us promptly.
What causes eye ulcers in dogs?
Trauma is one of the most common causes. Dogs exploring woodland, parks or long grass can catch the surface of their eye on grass or vegetation. Scratches from another animal, such as a cat, and foreign material such as grass seeds or other debris can also damage the cornea.
However, not every ulcer is caused by an accident.
Other possible causes or contributing factors include:
- Dry eye (also known as “keratoconjunctivitis sicca”) and inadequate tear production
- Eyelids that do not close properly
- Eyelids that turn inwards or outwards
- Eyelashes or facial hairs rubbing against the eye
- Infection • Persistent rubbing of the eye
- Certain neurological or hormonal conditions
Identifying an underlying cause can be particularly important when an ulcer keeps returning or isn’t healing as expected.
Are some dogs more at risk?
Any dog can injure their cornea, but some breeds are particularly vulnerable. Flat-faced or brachycephalic breeds, including Pugs, French Bulldogs and Shih Tzus, can be at increased risk because their eyes tend to be more prominent and therefore more exposed to trauma.
Certain breeds such as Boxers may be more susceptible to indolent (non-healing) ulcers.
Owners of higher-risk dogs should therefore pay particular attention to unexplained squinting, excessive tears or eye rubbing.
How does a vet diagnose a corneal ulcer?
Your vet will carefully examine your dog’s eye, often using an ophthalmoscope.
One of the most useful diagnostic tests is a fluorescein stain. A special dye is placed onto the eye which attaches to areas where the protective surface of the cornea has been damaged. Under the appropriate light, the stain allows the vet to see the location and extent of the ulcer.
Depending on the findings, further investigations may be recommended to assess the eye or identify an underlying problem, such as dry eye or an eyelid abnormality.
How are eye ulcers in dogs treated?
Treatment depends on the type, depth and underlying cause of the ulcer.
Many uncomplicated corneal ulcers can heal with conservative veterinary treatment including appropriate antibiotics, to prevent or treat infection, and pain relief. Preventing your dog from rubbing or scratching the eye may also be important, so an Elizabethan (cone) collar may be recommended.
Some ulcers are more complicated.
An indolent ulcer does not heal normally and may require additional procedures to encourage healthy corneal tissue to repair itself. A melting ulcer is an especially serious form in which the corneal tissue begins to break down and requires urgent treatment. Treatment options for complicated ulcers can include plasma drops (where your dog’s own blood is collected, processed, and applied to the eye) and EDTA drops. A temporary soft contact lens may be fitted to protect the area while it heals.
Surgical treatment may also be needed. The most common techniques are a grid keratectomy (the eye is scored under anaesthetic to encourage healing) and pedicle flaps (part of the lining of the eyelid is temporarily attached to the eyeball to help with healing).
When might your dog need an ophthalmologist?
Many straightforward eye conditions can be successfully diagnosed and treated by your regular vet. However, a case may benefit from more specialist ophthalmology input if an ulcer is deep, complicated, recurrent, deteriorating or failing to heal as expected.
For appropriate cases, our visiting ophthalmologist can provide additional expertise without owners having to begin their pet’s care elsewhere.
Having specialist support available can be particularly valuable when an ulcer requires advanced assessment or treatment.
Don’t wait with a sore eye
Eye ulcers can be extremely uncomfortable, and their severity isn’t always obvious just by looking at your dog’s eye. Prompt diagnosis gives your vet the opportunity to relieve pain, treat the problem and reduce the risk of complications.
If your dog is squinting, rubbing their face, producing excessive tears or discharge, or suddenly keeping an eye closed, get in touch with us for advice or an appointment.