Corneal Ulcers

The cornea is a transparent, shiny membrane that covers the front of the eyeball. A corneal ulcer is a severe erosion of the third layer of the eye, resulting in a foggy look and discomfort for your cat or dog.

Corneal ulcers in pets are frequently caused by trauma - this could be the animal's own eyelashes rubbing against the eye (entropion), a cat scratch, or contact with a sharp foreign object. Your pet will likely be observed rubbing the damaged eye with its paw or even on the carpet in an attempt to alleviate pain.

Treatment with antibiotic eye drops or ointment is often the best option. They can prevent infection while moisturising the eye to alleviate discomfort caused by the lesion rubbing on the eyelid when blinking.

Surgery will result in a significantly quicker healing time but at a much higher expense. Your pet has a third eyelid that rests inside the other two lids and is attached to the inside corner of the eye. Surgery can be performed to pull this third eyelid over the eyeball and suture it in place until the ulcer heals. This procedure is performed under general anaesthesia.