What are the clinical signs of corneal ulcers?
A corneal ulcer is usually painful. In response to pain, some cats rub the affected eye with a paw or on the carpet or furniture. To protect the eye, they keep the lids closed, and there is often excessive tearing. How is a corneal ulcer diagnosed? Superficial corneal abrasions are usually not visible without the aid of special equipment and stains. Corneal ulcers are most often highlighted and seen with the use of fluorescein stain. A drop of this orange-colored stain is placed on the cornea. The dye will adhere to an area of ulceration and is easily visualized, sometimes requiring the use of a special black light called a Wood’s light. This is the most basic test performed and may be the only test needed if the ulcer is acute and very superficial. If the ulcerated area is chronic or very deep, samples are taken for culture and cell study prior to applying the stain or any other medication. How is a corneal ulcer treated? The form of treatment used depends on whether there is a cornea
