Dog Eye Ulcer: Is It a Veterinary Emergency?

Dog eye ulcers can transform from a minor irritation to a vision-threatening emergency in less than 24 hours. The cornea's thin structure makes it particularly vulnerable to rapid deterioration when damaged.

Recognizing the warning signs of a dog eye ulcer could mean the difference between quick recovery and permanent vision loss for your pet. Understanding when to seek veterinary care is crucial for protecting your dog's eyesight.

Top Questions About Dog Eye Ulcer

When Should I Rush My Dog to Urgent Care?

A dog eye ulcer requires quick veterinary attention when you notice severe squinting, thick discharge, or a cloudy cornea. These signs often indicate a deeper ulcer that could rapidly worsen and threaten your dog's vision. Dogs showing signs of intense pain, such as pawing at the eye or refusing to open it, need evaluation right away to prevent permanent damage.

What If My Dog Refuses to Open the Eye?

When your dog keeps an eye completely closed, they're likely experiencing significant pain from a corneal ulcer. This protective response helps them avoid further irritation but also signals potential severity. Don't wait to seek care if your dog consistently holds their eye shut, as deeper ulcers can progress to corneal perforation within hours.

Can a Corneal Ulcer Get Much Worse Overnight?

Dog eye ulcers can deteriorate rapidly, sometimes progressing from a superficial scratch to a deep ulcer within 24 hours. This quick progression happens because the cornea is only a few cell layers thick. Without proper treatment, bacteria can multiply quickly and damage corneal tissue, potentially leading to vision loss.

Why Dog Eye Ulcers Happen

Dog eye ulcers typically result from trauma to the cornea's surface. Common causes include scratches from plants, other animals, or self-trauma from pawing. Foreign bodies like dust, grass seeds, or even eyelashes can create painful abrasions that develop into ulcers.

Some breeds with prominent eyes or facial folds, such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus, have a higher risk due to their anatomy. Underlying conditions like dry eye (insufficient tear production) can also make the cornea more vulnerable to damage. Without the protective moisture from tears, the cornea becomes susceptible to injury and slower to heal.

Spotting Mild Cases

Mild dog eye ulcers typically present with slight redness, increased tearing, or occasional squinting. Your dog might blink more frequently or rub at their eye with a paw. The eye may appear slightly cloudy or have a small visible spot on the surface.

Even these milder symptoms warrant veterinary attention within 24 hours. What appears minor can quickly develop into a more serious condition if bacteria enter the damaged cornea. Early intervention with appropriate medication can prevent progression and promote faster healing.

Recognizing Serious Cases

Serious dog eye ulcers show more pronounced symptoms that require quick veterinary care. Watch for persistent squinting, thick yellow or green discharge, or a cloudy blue-white appearance to the eye. Your dog may show signs of severe pain by keeping the eye firmly closed or rubbing their face against furniture or carpeting.

A deep ulcer might create a visible depression in the cornea's surface. In advanced cases, you might notice a bulging area where the cornea is weakening. These signs indicate the ulcer has progressed to a dangerous depth that could lead to rupture of the eye if not treated right away.

What To Do

Step 1: Protect the Eye Gently

Prevent your dog from pawing or rubbing at the affected eye, which can worsen damage. If recommended by your veterinarian, a protective collar may help protect the eye from further injury. Never apply over-the-counter eye medications meant for humans, as these can contain ingredients harmful to dogs with corneal damage.

Step 2: Call a Veterinary Clinic Immediately

Call a veterinary clinic right away to describe your dog's symptoms and arrange for quick evaluation. Be prepared to describe when you first noticed the symptoms and any potential causes, such as recent outdoor activities or play with other pets. Ask if there are any steps you should take before bringing your dog in for examination.

Step 3: Prepare Your Dog for Safe Transport

Keep your dog calm during transport to reduce stress and prevent further eye injury. Use a secure crate or harness to limit movement that could lead to additional trauma. Avoid bright lights which may cause discomfort, and consider covering the crate partially if your dog seems sensitive to light.

Potential Life-Threatening Conditions

Severe dog eye ulcers can lead to vision-threatening complications without quick treatment. Deep ulcers risk corneal perforation, where the cornea ruptures completely. This emergency can lead to infection inside the eye or collapse of the eye structure.

"Melting" ulcers represent another serious condition where the cornea breaks down rapidly. These ulcers have a characteristic appearance and can progress to perforation within hours. Both conditions require quick veterinary intervention to save the eye and preserve vision.

Helping Your Pet Before the Vet Visit

Offer Small Amounts of Water

Maintain your dog's hydration by offering small amounts of water. Stress and pain can lead to reduced drinking, potentially complicating recovery. Call your veterinarian for specific feeding and watering instructions based on your dog's condition and when they'll be seen.

Watch for Worsening Pain or Swelling

Monitor your dog closely for signs that their condition is deteriorating. Increased swelling around the eye, more pronounced squinting, or changes in the appearance of the cornea warrant an immediate call to your veterinarian. Provide updates on any new symptoms that develop while awaiting your appointment.

Preventing Future Dog Eye Ulcers

Protect your dog's eyes by keeping their face hair trimmed, especially breeds with long facial fur that can irritate the cornea. Check your yard regularly for hazards like thorny plants or branches at eye level. For dogs with underlying dry eye, maintaining prescribed medication schedules helps keep the cornea properly lubricated and less vulnerable to injury.

Dogs with prominent eyes benefit from avoiding rough play and areas with high grass or brush that might scratch the cornea. Consider protective eyewear designed for dogs during high-risk activities if your dog has previously experienced eye injuries. Regular veterinary check-ups can catch early signs of conditions that predispose to corneal ulcers.

We're Here to Help

Our hospitals provide comprehensive care for dogs experiencing eye ulcers, from initial evaluation through treatment and follow-up. We understand the urgency of corneal injuries and prioritize these cases to prevent vision loss.

For mild symptoms like slight redness or occasional squinting, your primary veterinarian may be appropriate for evaluation within 24 hours. Severe symptoms such as a cloudy cornea, intense pain, or visible depression in the eye surface require immediate emergency care. If you're not sure, call us — we can talk you through the situation.

Key Takeaways

• Dog eye ulcers require quick attention as they can progress rapidly from minor to vision-threatening.
• Even seemingly mild symptoms warrant veterinary evaluation within 24 hours to prevent complications.
• Protecting the eye from further damage while seeking veterinary care improves outcomes.