Treatment of a corneal ulcer can oftentimes be difficult, primarily depending on the behavior of the patient, but also because of the frequency the eye needs to be treated, both of which will determine the success or failure of the treatment plan.
A corneal ucler is, by definition, an abrasion to the cornea. The picture to the left shows a large corneal ulcer which is noticable without any further diagnostics. However, a corneal ulcer can be so small that it is only able to be diagnosed by a fluorescein stain. A yellow dye is washed over the cornea; if an ulcer is present on the cornea, the dye will be taken up by the ulcer and will fluoresce, showing the location and severity, when a black light is placed over the eye. Signs an animal may have an ulcer are squinting or blinking of the eye, excessive tearing of the eye, or constant rubbing of the eye either with a paw or scratching the face on the floor. Treatment of a corneal ulcer can oftentimes be difficult, primarily depending on the behavior of the patient, but also because of the frequency the eye needs to be treated, both of which will determine the success or failure of the treatment plan. The first picture was of a patient on initial presentaion. This second picture is the same patient after 3 weeks of treatment with multiple drops 4-6 times a day. If your pet is exhibiting signs of ocular irritation, it is possible he may be suffering from a corneal ulcer. A corneal ulcer is a condition that can rapidly progress in severity. Do not play the wait and see game when it comes to the eye. A quick 15 minute exam, costing roughly $46 can save your pet's eye.
2 Comments
Destinee
3/11/2013 02:06:54 pm
The difference really is amazing! This dog had a very compliant owner and she played a huge part in helping to save his eye by treating him with the medications he needed every day.
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Haley
3/12/2013 03:45:15 am
You are very right Destinee! We can only diagnose the problem and form a treatment plan. It is up to the owner to do the hard work!
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Dr. Haley Hydrick Clark
Dr. Haley Hydrick Clark graduated from the University of Georgia in 1998 with a degree in Animal Science and from Tuskegee University in 2002 with a degree in Veterinary Medicine. Archives
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