How to Recognize and Treat Corneal Ulceration in Dogs
A dog that experiences corneal ulceration is losing the outer cells of the cornea. There are many causes of this condition, such as bacterial infections or having foreign materials present in the eye. Corneal ulceration can affect dogs of all ages and breeds. Because this condition can be very painful to your canine, it’s important to get immediate treatment.
Instructions
-
-
1
Recognize the symptoms of corneal ulceration in your dog. Canines that are affected by this condition may experience squinting, inflamed eye, lethargy and color change to the cornea. Your dog may also rub his eye often and appear to be in pain.
-
2
Schedule a visit to the vet. An exam will include a reflex test of your dog’s blinking. Request that your vet measure tear production, as this can assist in proper diagnosis of corneal ulceration in dogs.
-
-
3
Put together a treatment plan for your canine. Ask for an antibiotic if your canine has an infection along with corneal ulceration. This can be administered with an eyedropper directly onto the affected area. Request an Elizabethan collar for your canine to prevent further irritation to the eye. Severe cases may require your dog to undergo surgery.
-
4
Request oral antibiotics if your canine has a serious infection of the eye. For a very serious case of corneal ulceration you should request oral antibiotics. This should eliminate infection protecting your canine from vision loss.
-
5
Treat your dog’s eyes with special care. Avoid getting water, shampoo or any foreign object in your canine’s eye. These substances may agitate the condition, causing it to worsen.
-
6
Examine your canine regularly. When your dog is healing, you should examine his eyes daily for any color changes or discharge. After your dog has healed, make it a habit to examine his eyes monthly for any changes.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Don’t forget to finish out your dog’s prescription. Oftentimes, dog owners forget to continue antibiotics when their canine begins to feel better. This can make the infection return and cause health issues for your dog.
