How does a canine corneal ulcer occur?
There are several causes of corneal ulcers in dogs. The most common is trauma. An ulcer may result from blunt trauma, such as a dog rubbing its eye on the carpet, or due to a laceration, such as a cat scratch. Another common cause is chemical burn of the cornea. This may happen when irritating shampoo gets in the eye. Less common causes of corneal ulcers include bacterial infections, viral infections, and other diseases. These may originate in the eye or develop secondary to disease elsewhere in the body. Examples of other diseases include: Epithelial Dystrophy (a weakening of the cornea which can be inherited in breeds such as the Boxer); drying of the cornea due to abnormal tear production, called Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS or dye eye); and diseases of the endocrine system such as diabetes mellitus, Cushings Disease (hyperadrenocorticism), and hypothyroidism. How does a corneal ulcer affect my dog? A corneal ulcer is very painful. Most dogs rub the affected eye with a foot or on
