Corneal Ulcers and Erosions in Dogs and Cats – Vet Care Tips for 2025 🐾👁️

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

When a pet suddenly squints, blinks excessively, or develops a red, watery eye, it could be a sign of a painful and common condition: a corneal ulcer or erosion. These injuries affect the clear surface of the eye—known as the cornea—and require immediate veterinary care to relieve discomfort and prevent lasting vision damage. 🐶🐱

🔬 Understanding the Cornea

The cornea is the transparent, outermost layer of the eye. It performs three essential jobs:

• 🛡️ Protection: Shields the eye from debris, dust, and pathogens
• 🔎 Light Refraction: Focuses incoming light onto the retina for clear vision
• 💧 Fluid Regulation: Maintains hydration and nutrient balance within the eye

This thin, delicate structure has multiple layers. When these layers are damaged, your pet experiences what’s called a corneal erosion or ulcer.

⚠️ What Is a Corneal Ulcer?

A corneal ulcer is a deeper injury than a surface abrasion or erosion, and it often appears cloudy or opaque. Because of how sensitive the eye is, even minor ulcers can cause significant pain, squinting, and a risk of further complications. 🚨

🧪 Causes of Corneal Erosions and Ulcers

Corneal injuries in dogs and cats are frequently caused by:

• 🌿 Brushing against rough plants, thorns, or bushes
• 🐾 Scratches from claws—especially during play or cat fights
• 🧴 Shampoo or other irritants getting into the eye
• 🧫 Foreign bodies like grass seeds trapped under the eyelid
• 😿 Self-trauma from itchy eyes or ears

🟢 Diagnosing with Fluorescein Stain

To confirm an ulcer, vets use a special fluorescent dye called fluorescein. When applied, it highlights the affected area in a bright green glow under blue light, revealing how deep and wide the damage is. This quick, non-invasive test is a gold standard for diagnosing corneal damage. 💡

💊 Treatment Protocols in 2025

1. Antibiotic Eye Drops or Ointment 💧

Topical antibiotics help prevent infection in the wounded cornea. Depending on your pet’s tolerance and your comfort, your vet might prescribe:

• 🔹 Eye drops (easier for fast application)
• 🔹 Eye ointments (longer-lasting but slightly messier)

Most need to be applied 3–4 times daily. ⏰

2. Pain Relief 🐾💊

Ulcers are painful. To provide relief, your vet may use:

• 🌺 Atropine: dilates the pupil to stop painful spasms (may cause temporary light sensitivity or drooling in cats due to its bitterness)
• 💊 Oral NSAIDs: such as carprofen or meloxicam
• 🌿 Gabapentin or codeine combinations: for more severe pain control

3. E-Collar (Elizabethan Collar) 🛡️

If your pet is pawing or rubbing at their face, an e-collar is essential. Scratching can turn a minor ulcer into a serious one overnight. 😢

4. Eye Recheck in 7 Days 🗓️

Most ulcers heal in one week with proper care. A follow-up stain test ensures healing is on track. If there’s no improvement, your vet may refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist. 👨‍⚕️👁️

⚠️ Advanced Cases: When Ulcers Don’t Heal

🌀 Indolent Ulcers (Boxers, Poodles) 🐕

These ulcers form a lip of loose tissue that prevents healing. Treatments include:

• 🔁 Debriding (rubbing away loose tissue)
• 🔪 Grid keratectomy (a special scratching technique to encourage healing)
• 💧 Eye drops to strengthen corneal repair

🔥 Melting Ulcers

Caused by infection, these ulcers appear gooey and can rapidly worsen. Emergency care may include:

• 🧫 Culture testing
• 💉 Patient’s own serum used as healing drops
• ⏱️ Hourly medication in severe cases

💣 Descemetoceles

These are ulcers that have eaten through to the last layer of the cornea—just before the eye ruptures. They require urgent surgery. ⚠️

🏠 At-Home Monitoring Tips

Watch your pet closely. 🚨 Return to your vet if you notice:

• 😣 Increased squinting or blinking
• 😿 Excessive tearing or discharge
• 🌡️ Swelling or changes in eye color
• 📉 Loss of vision or avoidance of light

🏥 Referral to a Veterinary Ophthalmologist

If the ulcer is deep, chronic, or not responding to treatment, a referral may be necessary. Specialists have surgical tools and advanced diagnostics to save your pet’s vision. 🏥👨‍⚕️

📱 Final Word from Dr Duncan Houston

Corneal ulcers are common, treatable, and painful—so act fast. Your veterinarian will guide you through every step of care, but your at-home participation is key to recovery. For extra support, daily reminders, and more eye health advice, download the Ask A Vet App or visit AskAVet.com. 🐾❤️

👁️ Your pet’s eyes are precious—protect them with prompt care in 2025 and beyond.