Download Recurrent Superficial Corneal Ulceration OCULAR CONDITIONS

OCULAR CONDITIONS
Recurrent Superficial Corneal Ulceration
Also known as a boxer ulcer, non healing ulcer, indolent ulcer, spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defect (SCCED)
What is the cornea?
The surface of the eye, the cornea, is a transparent structure that allows light to pass through and be transmitted to the
retina. The cornea is formed of 3 layers and is approximately 0.5mm thick. A defect in the surface layer, the epithelium, is
termed a superficial corneal ulcer. The cornea is packed with nerve endings and thus corneal ulcers can be very painful. The
epithelium is an important protective layer and once compromised the eye is at risk of infection. Significant infections can
progress quickly and lead to more complicated ulceration which can be a vision threatening problem.
Why don’t some superficial ulcers heal?
Examples of non healing superficial corneal ulcers
An uncomplicated corneal ulcer should heal within 5-7 days. An indolent ulcer is one that doesn't heal in this time frame.
Indolent ulcers don't heal due to an abnormality in one or more of the layers of the cornea. For this reason, many animals
will have recurrent ulceration, with no apparent cause, due to the presence of a primary corneal abnormality.
What treatment options are available?
There are a number of treatments available for indolent ulceration. Usually a combination of the following is performed Cotton bud debridement (removal of loose cells on the surface of the eye), keratotomy (needle scratching or burring the surface
of the eye to stimulate and aid healing) and placement of a bandage contact lens. It is usually preferable to perform these
procedures under general anaesthetic or sedation, however, sometimes it can be done under local anaesthetic. If this is not
successful, this process can be repeated or a superficial keratectomy can be performed. The latter involves surgically removing
the diseased portion of cornea and this must be done under general anaesthetic. This has a near 100% success rate but it is a
more invasive procedure. Most of these patients will either be admitted to the hospital for the day or a short overnight stay.
What happens following these procedures?
Supportive medical therapy is required to prevent infection and help relieve ocular pain following any of these procedures.
Your dog will also be given a protective Elizabethan collar to prevent any self trauma. A follow up appointment is then usually
arranged for 14-21 days later.
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