Corneal Ulcers in Dogs and Cats

Below are some answers to common questions we often get about corneal ulcers in dogs and cats. Click on each question for more information.

Just like the skin, dogs’ and cats’ corneas (clear part of the eye) can get scratched or injured. A corneal ulcer is a scratch or abrasion on the cornea of the dog or cat. The eye may get scratched from many things. Just like a scratch on our skin, a scratch (corneal ulcer) in the eye may get infected or worsen.

Corneal ulcers in dogs and cats are uncomfortable and will typically cause your dog or cat to have tearing, squinting or “pus-like” discharge in the affected eye. Your pet may also be reluctant to let you touch their eye. The eye may also have redness and swelling of the tissues around the eye.

Corneal ulcers in dogs and cats may not heal properly or may get infected.  Depending on the type of ulcer and the cause of the corneal abrasion, your pet may need further treatment or care with a veterinary ophthalmologist.  If a corneal ulcer in dogs and cats does not heal within a week, it is likely that the corneal ulcer (corneal abrasion, corneal scratch) is more complicated.

It is very important to treat corneal ulcers in dogs and cats as soon as possible to help alleviate the irritation and discomfort for your pet.  A full pet eye exam may be needed to look for other eye problems that could have caused the corneal ulcer or infection.  Most corneal ulcers in dogs and cats are treated with medications.  Some corneal ulcers in dogs and cats are deeper or cause more damage to your dog or cat’s eye.  In these cases, corneal surgery may be needed to repair the area.

Most ulcers are treated with drops or therapy after the pet’s eye examination.  Even if the pet corneal ulcer is deep or if the eye perforates, most dog and cat eyes can be repaired with corneal surgery even though most corneal ulcers are not treated with surgery. Even if the ulcer is serious, there are many types of treatments that our veterinary ophthalmologists can do to save your pet’s vision.

If you think your dog or cat has a corneal ulcer or other eye condition, you should schedule an appointment at our office for an examination.

  • This dog has a very deep cornea ulcer that is at risk of perforation. This ulcer was repaired with a corneal surgery (corneal transplant).
  • This cat had corneal surgery to repair a very serious corneal ulcer. There is a very tiny scar remaining and her vision is normal. She can watch the birds again.
  • This dog had surgery to repair a very serious corneal ulcer. Only a small scar remains and the eye is otherwise normal. He is happy and in good spirits.

We would love to meet your pet and talk with you about any eye condition your pet may have. Come visit us!

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