What are the symptoms of corneal ulcer?

Obvious eye pain: the animal keeps the eye closed and tears heavily. Reddened eye. Cloudy or bluish appearance of the cornea. The animal rubs the eye. Sensitivity to light

Is Corneal ulcer contagious?

Corneal ulcer does not spread directly between animals.

Oculares

Corneal ulcer

A wound on the cornea (the transparent layer of the eye). It is painful and can worsen quickly: a deep ulcer can perforate the eye. It is an ocular emergency.

Severe🐕 Dogs🐈 Cats

This may be a veterinary emergency

URGENT: any painful, closed or cloudy eye needs veterinary attention the same day. An untreated ulcer can cost the eye.

Symptoms to watch for

• Obvious eye pain: the animal keeps the eye closed and tears heavily
• Reddened eye
• Cloudy or bluish appearance of the cornea
• The animal rubs the eye
• Sensitivity to light

Causes

Trauma (scratches, branches), foreign bodies, dry eye, abnormal eyelashes, infections. Brachycephalic breeds (Bulldog, Pug, Persian) are very prone to them because of their prominent eyes.

Diagnosis

The vet stains the cornea with fluorescein: the ulcer becomes visible as a green area.

Treatment

Antibiotic and supportive eye drops, pain control, and an Elizabethan collar to prevent rubbing. Deep ulcers may need surgery. NEVER use corticosteroid eye drops on an ulcer — they make it much worse.

Prevention

Protect the eyes in breeds with prominent eyes, treat conjunctivitis and dry eye promptly, and avoid areas with branches at eye level.

When should you see the vet?

URGENT: any painful, closed or cloudy eye needs veterinary attention the same day. An untreated ulcer can cost the eye.

Consult a vet 24 h emergency vets nearby

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.