CORNEAL ULCERS

corneal ulcer - Recurrent ulcers and refractory ones that do not heal properly occur more commonly in middle-aged and older dogs.
Clinical Signs - The cornea lacks the presence of blood vessels, it is well equipped with nerves to detect pain. Even the slightest injury will provoke considerable discomfort. Other signs of corneal ulcer include blepharospasm, epiphora, purulent ocular discharge, and photophobia.
Symptoms - Common symptoms of corneal ulcer include pain, squinting or blinking the affected eye, pawing or rubbing at the eye, excessive tearing or discharge, pus, redness, and behavioral changes such as hiding or avoiding light.
Description - The cornea, or front of the eye, has three very important functions. It acts as a supportive barrier to keep the internal structures in place within the eye. The cornea allows light to pass into the eye and thus through the lens to the retina at the back of the eye. It also bends the incoming light rays to aid the lens in focusing the incoming light. The cornea is composed of five microscopically identifiable layers. When the cornea is injured, the extent to which these layers are involved will determine the severity of the injury, the treatment required and the prognosis for saving the eyesight in the injured eye. Recurrences are common and complications are highly likely. Significant corneal disease and ulceration associated with herpesvirus infections in cats are unpredictable in their response to treatment.