Corneal ulcers are painful eye injuries in dogs requiring prompt treatment to prevent progression to vision-threatening complications and to manage significant ocular discomfort.
Corneal ulcers cause intense ocular pain - the cornea is the most densely innervated tissue in the body, and ulceration causes pain equivalent to having sand in the eye continuously. Dogs with corneal ulcers show obvious signs of discomfort including reluctance to open the affected eye, sensitivity to light, and pawing. Deep ulcers create risk of corneal perforation and loss of the eye, representing catastrophic welfare outcomes that are preventable with appropriate early treatment. Atropine drops provide pain relief by reducing ciliary spasm but cause temporary vision blurring. E-collar use prevents self-trauma but is frustrating for dogs. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment prevents progression from manageable surface ulcers to potentially blinding deep ulcers.