Just like humans, dogs can develop eye issues that need to be treated by a veterinarian at an animal hospital. One common eye problem that affects dogs is corneal ulcers. A corneal ulcer occurs when the surface of the cornea is wounded or suffers an abrasion. Some corneal ulcers in dogs are considered superficial, while others can be quite deep. Either way, a dog who has a corneal ulcer should be taken to an animal hospital as soon as possible so a vet can do a complete exam and prescribe the right treatment to help its eye heal. Some common signs that can indicate that your dog may have a corneal ulcer include the following.
Your Dog Is Squinting or Keeping One Eye Closed
While it is possible for a dog to develop corneal ulcers in both eyes, the majority of canines have one in just one eye. One of the most common signs of a corneal ulcer in a dog is squinting or keeping one eye closed. If you notice something wrong with one of your dog's eyes, don't brush it off or think that it will get better on its own. When it comes to corneal ulcers in canines, the sooner the treatment begins, the better. Neglecting to take your dog to an animal hospital right away can turn an issue that can be treated with medication into a major problem that requires surgery.
Red Eye with Discharge
If your dog does not have its eye tightly closed, you may notice that the white of its eye is very red, which is a telltale sign of a corneal ulcer. In some cases, there may also be discharge coming out of the affected eye. In this type of situation, don't try to help your dog at home — your best bet is to call your animal hospital and make an appointment for your dog to see a vet as soon as possible.
Change in Behavior
Corneal ulcers in dogs are very painful, so your dog may exhibit a change in behavior before you can bring them to a vet and begin treatment. Your dog may be lethargic, begin whimpering, or want to stay away from you and your family. Avoid trying to touch your dog's face or the area around its eye. The good news is that if your dog has a corneal ulcer, the vet will be able to prescribe pain medication to help make your dog more comfortable.
Contact an animal hospital like Angel Pet Hospital to learn more.
Share10 March 2021
When I moved into the town I'm living in now, there was a large population of stray cats. Unfortunately, that population kept growing in rapid numbers because none of the cats had been fixed. I knew that wasn't a healthy situation, so I reached out to a local shelter and a veterinarian to launch a trap-alter-release program. Within about a year, we had the entire population altered and released back to their environments. The logistics were significant, but not overwhelming. That's why I built this site. My goal is to teach others how to launch a similar program in their own neighborhood to help keep the stray cats healthier and safer.