Why won’t my dog’s ulcer go away?

Dog getting an eye assessment in a veterinary ophthalmologist's office.

Some ulcers will heal on their own. But some are tricky and want to stick around on your pet’s eyes. This is called a Spontaneous Chronic Corneal Epithelial Defect (SCCED), which occurs when a scratch, poke, or abrasion is affected by a problem with the healing mechanism.

 

So…what’s next?

A procedure/surgical intervention is likely needed. However, don’t worry, as this is a common occurrence, often spontaneous, and with no known cause. There are three different treatments, and we can determine which is right for your pet at our office.

 

Cotton Swab Debridement

This is the least invasive procedure and is performed with a Q-Tip. Potential infections with this method are less common; however, it only has a 50% success rate.

Diamond Burr/Needle Debridement

This option is more effective with a 70-80% success rate. It’s more aggressive at treating the acellular, non-healing zone, but complications can include a rare corneal infection or non-healing/need for repeat procedure.

Superficial Keratectomy

Performed under general anesthesia, this procedure has a 99% success rate. It’s often the route we go if the first two non-invasive treatments don’t work out.

 

If your pet could benefit from a visit with us, book an appointment, and we can take a look.

Latest Posts

Boston Terrier Parent? Let’s Talk About Those Big, Beautiful Eyes

If you have a Boston Terrier, you already know they’re basically professional charmers. Those wide eyes, expressive faces, and their endless personality? It’s my favorite thing as a veterinary ophthalmologist to see when you walk through my front doors. 

But here’s something many pet parents don’t realize: Boston Terriers are more likely to develop hereditary cataracts than many other dog breeds, and knowing this early on can make a huge difference.

Read More »
Visionary Vet Team

Celebrating Our Veterinary Ophthalmology Team at Visionary Vet Services

At Visionary Vet Services, we are incredibly proud of the dedicated veterinary ophthalmology team that provides compassionate, high-quality eye care for pets every single day.

Veterinary ophthalmology requires precision, patience, and trust. Our clients place their pets’ vision in our hands, and we don’t take that responsibility lightly. It’s our team’s experience, collaboration, and genuine care that allow us to deliver the level of service pet families deserve.

Veterinary ophthalmology requires precision, patience, and trust. Our clients place their pets’ vision in our hands, and we don’t take that responsibility lightly. It’s our team’s experience, collaboration, and genuine care that allow us to deliver the level of service pet families deserve.

Read More »