Dog Eye Ulcer: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Healing
A dog eye ulcer, also called a corneal ulcer or ulcerative keratitis, happens when the clear outer surface of the eye becomes scratched, damaged, or eroded. It can be extremely painful, and a small injury can sometimes become a deeper problem if it is not treated.
Eye ulcers can happen to any dog, but they are particularly common in flat-faced breeds because their eyes are more exposed to injury.
What Does a Dog Eye Ulcer Look Like?
A dog with a corneal ulcer may suddenly start squinting or keeping one eye partly closed. As the problem becomes more serious, other signs can appear.
Common dog eye ulcer symptoms include:
- Frequent blinking or squinting
- Excessive tearing
- Redness in the eye
- Swollen eyelids
- Pawing or rubbing the eye
- Rubbing the face against the floor
- A raised third eyelid
- Keeping the eye completely closed
- Yellow, green, or bloody discharge
- A cloudy or damaged-looking eye
- Reduced appetite
- Tiredness, hiding, or unusual behavior
In severe cases, the cornea can develop a deep defect or even rupture, which can lead to loss of vision.
What Causes a Corneal Ulcer in Dogs?
A dog corneal ulcer usually develops after something damages the surface of the eye. Some common causes include:
Scratches and Injuries
A scratch from another animal, a tree branch, plant, bush, or even the dog's own paw can damage the cornea.
Foreign Objects
Sand, dirt, grass seeds, or other small objects can become trapped in or around the eye and repeatedly rub against the cornea.
Chemical Irritation
Shampoo, cleaning products, or certain topical products can cause irritation or chemical burns if they get into the eye.
Infections
Bacterial infections, including infections involving Pseudomonas, and some viral infections can contribute to corneal ulcers.
Eye or Eyelid Problems
Abnormal eyelashes, eyelid abnormalities, eyelid masses, or an eyelid that rolls inward can repeatedly rub against the cornea.
Dry Eye
Chronic dry eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, can make the cornea more vulnerable to damage and ulcers.
Certain neurological, endocrine, and inherited conditions can also increase the risk of developing eye ulcers.
How Does a Vet Diagnose a Dog Eye Ulcer?
A veterinarian will examine the eye carefully to look for scratches, foreign material, abnormal eyelashes, eyelid problems, or other causes.
One of the most important tests is a fluorescein stain. A special green dye is placed in the eye. If there is an ulcer, the damaged area absorbs the dye and becomes visible under blue light.
Other tests may include:
- Schirmer tear test to check for dry eye
- Eye pressure testing to screen for conditions such as glaucoma or uveitis
- Bacterial culture when an infection is suspected
- Cytology to examine cells from the eye
These tests help the veterinarian determine both the severity and possible cause of the ulcer.
Simple vs. Complicated Dog Eye Ulcers
Not every ulcer is the same.
A simple eye ulcer affects only the superficial layer of the cornea. With appropriate treatment, these ulcers commonly heal within about 7–10 days.
A complicated eye ulcer extends deeper into the cornea. It may become infected or begin breaking down the deeper corneal tissue. These ulcers require closer veterinary monitoring and can sometimes need surgery.
Dog Eye Ulcer Treatment
Treatment depends on the depth, cause, and condition of the ulcer.
For a simple ulcer, a veterinarian may prescribe antibiotic eye medication to prevent or treat infection. Pain-relieving treatment may also be used because corneal ulcers can be very painful.
Some dogs may receive serum-based eye treatment to help slow damage to the cornea. Pain medications or atropine eye drops may also be prescribed depending on the case.
Do not use human eye drops or leftover medication without veterinary advice. The wrong medication can make some eye conditions worse.
When Does a Dog Eye Ulcer Need Surgery?
Deep, complicated, or indolent ulcers may not heal properly with eye drops alone. In these cases, surgery may be needed to remove unhealthy tissue and encourage healing.
A veterinarian may also use a bandage contact lens to protect the cornea after treatment. Severe cases may require treatment from a veterinary eye specialist.
How Long Does a Dog Eye Ulcer Take to Heal?
Simple ulcers generally have a good prognosis when treated correctly and often heal within 7–10 days.
A veterinarian may recheck a simple ulcer after around 5–7 days to make sure it is healing.
Complicated ulcers need much closer monitoring. They may be checked again within 1–2 days, and some dogs require frequent medication or even hospitalization. Deeper ulcers can take considerably longer to recover.
Can a Dog Eye Ulcer Heal on Its Own?
A very superficial ulcer may sometimes heal without treatment, but it is not a good idea to simply wait and see.
An ulcer can become deeper, infected, or start damaging the cornea. Early veterinary examination gives your dog a better chance of recovering without serious complications.
How to Prevent Eye Ulcers in Dogs
You cannot prevent every eye injury, but a few simple precautions can reduce the risk:
- Stop your dog from repeatedly rubbing or scratching its face.
- Use a recovery collar if your veterinarian recommends one.
- Avoid rough play that could cause scratches around the eyes.
- Be careful around tall weeds and plants.
- Keep shampoos and household chemicals away from your dog's eyes.
- Treat underlying eye problems such as chronic dry eye.
Flat-faced dogs, including Pugs and Boston Terriers, may need extra protection because their eyes are more easily injured.
When Should You Take Your Dog to the Vet?
If your dog is squinting, holding an eye closed, pawing at the eye, has excessive tearing, redness, swelling, or unusual discharge, contact a veterinarian promptly.
An eye ulcer can look like a minor scratch at first, but deeper ulcers can threaten the eye and vision.