Corneal Ulcers in Dogs & Cats
Cornealulcers are one of the most common eye conditions we treat at Veterinary Eye Center – Pennsylvania. When the surface of the eye is damaged, prompt and accurate treatment is essential to prevent complications. If you are searching for a veterinary ophthalmologist in Delaware County, our team provides the advanced diagnostics and treatment options your pet needs.
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Corneal Ulcers in Dogs & Cats
Corneal ulcers are one of the most common, and most urgent, eye conditions we treat at Veterinary Eye Center – Pennsylvania. When the surface of the eye is damaged, prompt and accurate treatment is essential to prevent permanent vision loss. If you are searching for a veterinary ophthalmologist in Delaware County, our team provides the advanced diagnostics and treatment options your pet needs.
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What Are Corneal Ulcers in Dogs & Cats?
A corneal ulcer is a defect or wound in the cornea, the clear outer surface of the eye. The cornea has multiple layers, and ulcers are classified by how deeply they penetrate:
- Superficial ulcers affect only the outermost layer
- Stromal ulcers extend deeper into the cornea
- Descemetoceles reach the deepest layer and carry a high risk of rupture
Signs of a Corneal Ulcer
Common signs of a corneal ulcer include:
- Squinting or keeping the eye partially or fully closed
- Pawing at the eye
- Increased tearing or discharge
- Cloudiness or haziness of the eye surface
- Redness around the eye
Any of these signs warrants same-day evaluation. Corneal ulcers vary in severity, and some can deteriorate quickly if not diagnosed and treated appropriately.
Causes of Corneal Ulcers in Dogs
Corneal ulcers in dogs may develop due to:
- Trauma, scratches, or foreign bodies
- Dry eye (KCS), which leaves the cornea vulnerable to damage
- Eyelid abnormalities such as entropion or distichia
- Brachycephalic conformation in flat-faced breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers
- Secondary bacterial infections, which can complicate existing corneal ulcers and delay healing
Identifying the underlying cause is critical to selecting the right treatment and preventing recurrence.
Causes of Corneal Ulcers in Cats
Cats develop corneal ulcers for some of the same reasons as dogs, but there are important feline-specific causes that require a different diagnostic and treatment approach:
- Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) — the most common cause of corneal ulcers in cats. Herpesvirus can cause dendritic ulcers with a characteristic branching pattern and may require antiviral therapy in addition to standard treatment
- Corneal sequestrum — a condition unique to cats in which a dark plaque of dead corneal tissue forms, most commonly in Persian, Himalayan, and Burmese breeds. Sequestrum often requires surgical removal.
- Trauma and foreign bodies
- Eyelid abnormalities
- Secondary bacterial infections, which can complicate existing corneal ulcers and delay healing
Because feline corneal ulcers frequently have an underlying viral component, accurate diagnosis by a specialist is especially important in cats.
Corneal Ulcer Evaluation & Diagnosis
At Veterinary Eye Center – Pennsylvania, evaluation begins with a comprehensive ophthalmic examination to assess:
- Ulcer depth and size
- Corneal integrity
- Tear production and eyelid conformation
- Signs of infection or secondary complications
Additional diagnostics may include:
- Staining of the corneal surface, to confirm the presence and extent of the ulcer
- Culture and sensitivity testing, if infection is suspected
- Tear production testing, to evaluate for underlying dry eye
- Assessment for feline herpesvirus in cats presenting with characteristic ulcer patterns
Accurate staging of the ulcer determines the appropriate course of treatment.
Corneal Ulcer Treatment in Delaware County
Treatment depends on the species, depth, and underlying cause of the ulcer.
Medical Management - Superficial and uncomplicated ulcers are typically managed with:
- Topical antibiotics to prevent or treat infection
- Oral pain medications to improve comfort during healing
- Additional medications tailored to the underlying cause of the ulcer, such as antiviral therapy for cats with herpes virus-associated ulcers
Surgical Treatment - Deep or non-healing ulcers may require surgical intervention, which can include procedures to debride abnormal tissue, support corneal healing, or restore corneal integrity in the most severe cases. Corneal sequestrum in cats often requires surgical removal to resolve the condition. Your ophthalmologist will discuss the most appropriate approach based on your pet's specific presentation.
After treatment, pets require:
- An Elizabethan collar to prevent self-trauma
- A strict medication schedule
- Follow-up examinations to confirm healing
Why Choose a Veterinary Ophthalmologist in Delaware County?
Corneal ulcers that are misdiagnosed or improperly treated can progress to rupture, infection, and permanent vision loss. At Veterinary Eye Center – Pennsylvania, our board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist serving Delaware County offers:
- Precise ulcer staging and diagnosis for both dogs and cats
- Expert management of feline herpesvirus-associated ulcers and corneal sequestrum
- Advanced surgical capabilities for complex cases
- Access to specialty treatments not available at general practices
- Comprehensive follow-up care
Choosing a veterinary ophthalmologist in Delaware County ensures your pet receives the right treatment at the right time.