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Non Healing (Indolent)
What is it?
Non-healing corneal ulcers (often called Indolent Ulcers) are superficial abrasions on the surface of the eye that fail to heal after 7-10 days. Non-healing ulcers are due to an abnormality of the corneal epithelium of the eye. This abnormal epithelium cannot stick to the surface of the eye following a minor injury. The epithelium simply peels off like sunburned skin. What are possible complications of non-healing ulcers? If left untreated, superficial ulcers can become infected or progress to corneal rupture, risking vision loss. |
Symptoms |
Common signs of ulcers can include:
-pain (squinting, rubbing at the eye, loss of appetite, hiding) -redness -cloudy cornea -small pupil -increased discharge |
Treatment |
Most non-healing ulcers require a minor procedure be performed to promote healing, such as a grid keratotomy or diamond burr polishing. Pets will then placed on topical therapies 3-4 times daily, and will wear an Elizabethan collar until the ulcer has healed. Eight out of ten dogs will heal within 7-10 days.
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