Symptoms of Corneal Ulcers in Dogs

Dog Breeds

The majority of symptoms associated with corneal ulcers in dogs develop in response to irritation, inflammation and pain.

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Introduction

Corneal ulceration, which is a defect in or damage to the outer layers of the eye, is one of the most common and painful ocular disorders in domestic dogs. The majority of symptoms associated with corneal ulcers develop in response to irritation, inflammation and pain. In some cases, physical changes to the affected eye are apparent even to owners.

Corneal ulcers in dogs are divided into 3 general categories:

1. Simple/uncomplicated corneal ulcers: acute (sudden) loss of the outer layers of the cornea caused by minor trauma (shampoo, self-induced trauma, eyelash or eyelid abnormalities, etc); these usually heal readily, with minimal treatment or scarring;
2. Complex/complicated/deep corneal ulcers: acute or chronic (occurring over time) damage to the cornea, usually from trauma or infection;
3. Indolent/refractory corneal ulcers: chronic, superficial damage to the outer corneal epithelium in dogs of unknown cause; also called “superficial corneal erosion syndrome.”

Symptoms of Corneal Ulcers

Ulceration of the cornea is extremely painful. Corneal ulcers can develop suddenly or slowly, although acute onset is more frequent. Occasionally, there is a history of recent trauma (hit by car, kicked by horse, etc.), although most of the time the owner has not witnessed any traumatic incident.

The most universal signs of corneal ulcers include the following:

• Squinting (blepharospasm)
• Tearing and tear-staining around the eyes
• Rubbing at the eyes, either with paws or by rubbing and scooting the face along the ground
• Intolerance of light; shying away from bright light (called “photophobia”)
• Depression
• Lack of appetite (anorexia; inappetance)
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Red, swollen eyes (corneal edema)
• Cloudy eye surface
• Small pupils (myotic pupils)
• Bloody discharge from eye
• Pus discharge from eye
• Corneal rupture
• Pain

As corneal ulceration becomes more chronic, the signs of pain tend to decrease. The rubbing and pawing by dogs with corneal ulcers unfortunately can prolong or even prevent healing and can further damage the cornea. If you notice these signs in your dog, make a prompt visit to your veterinarian, who after examining your dog may refer you to a veterinary eye specialist (ophthalmologist).

Dogs At Increased Risk

There is no age or gender predisposition to development of simple or complex corneal ulcers. They are especially common in Boxers and other brachycephalic breeds with short noses, flat faces and broad foreheads. Other risk factors include dogs that are highly excitable, are prone to fighting (especially with cats) or are used for hunting or otherwise spend a lot of time outdoors romping through heavy brush. Dogs with bulging eyes also are at an increased risk, including the Pekingese, Maltese, Boston Terrier and Pug, among others. Refractory or indolent corneal ulcers tend to be seen more frequently in middle-aged to older neutered or spayed dogs, although they too can occur at any age or in any breed. Breeds that seem predisposed to developing indolent corneal ulcers include the Boxer, Samoyed, Dachshund, Miniature Poodle, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Wire Fox Terrier and Shetland Sheepdog.

Diagnosis and Tests

Overview and Facts