Small pockets of fluids or an open sore on the transparent part of the eye. The most common cause of blisters or ulcers around the cornea is a trauma. Usually a blow to the eye, a scratch, or rubbing an itching eye. It important to see if your cat or dog is hurting it self, in which case it is advised to consult a veterinarian to choose a way to protect your pet. Also, it may be caused by a medical condition.
How to Recognize
Your pet’s cornea is the clear outer layer of your pet’s eye that covers the pupil and iris. When corneal ulceration occurs, some of the layers of the cornea have begun to erode. Fortunately, corneal ulcers can be treated once you recognize the signs and present your dog or cat to your veterinarian for an ocular examination. You will know that your dog or cat may be experiencing a corneal ulcer when your pet appears to be squinting or closing the eye. Excessive tearing may also be present, and you may observe constant wetness around the pet’s eye.
Causes of Blisters Or Ulcers On The Cornea
Corneal ulcers most commonly result from physical trauma incurred during rough play with other pets in the household. Surface irritation from foreign matter that gets lodged under the eyelid can also cause corneal ulcers in dogs and cats. Brachycephalic breeds that tend to have protruding eyes, such as pugs, Pekingese, boxers, Boston terriers and bulldogs, are more prone to corneal ulcers. Breeds that are at risk for entropion, a condition in which the eyelashes end up rubbing on the eye, are also prone to corneal ulcers. Some breeds in which entropion is known to occur include Newfoundlands, akitas, St. Bernards, Great Danes and American Staffordshire terriers. Other causes of corneal ulcers include chemical burns, insufficient tear production, facial nerve paralysis and some viral infections, including feline herpes virus.
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will perform a complete ocular examination. This may include a tear test, which evaluates the amount of tears that your pet is producing, a test of your pet’s ocular pressure and a test in which a fluorescent stain is applied to your pet’s eye. Once the stain is applied, the veterinarian will turn off the examination room lights and examine the eye with an ophthalmoscope to look for ulcerations and scratches.
Similar Symptoms
Other signs to look for in your pet include redness and irritation of the eye, discharge from the eye, pawing at the affected eye, opaqueness to the eye, sensitivity to light and pain when the eye is touched.
Possible Conditions
Many of the symptoms can indicate other eye problems, including a corneal scratch, conjunctivitis, cataracts and glaucoma. It is essential to seek a veterinary diagnosis at the first sign of symptoms in order to receive the proper treatment.
Treatment for Blisters Or Ulcers On The Cornea
Minor corneal ulcers in pets can be treated with ophthalmologic antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops or ointments. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended to repair the corneal ulcer. For the healing duration, your pet’s activity may be restricted, and you will be strongly advised to keep an Elizabethan collar on your pet to prevent pawing at the eye and further injury. When addressed promptly, corneal ulcers respond favorably to treatment. If a corneal ulcer is left untreated, scarring can result in a visual deficit or loss.
Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
