Corneal Ulcers: Prompt Treatment Key to Success

Advancements in the diagnosis of corneal ulcers, as well their medical and surgical treatment, were among the topics covered by Dr. Dennis Brooks, during the first AAEP Focus on Ophthalmology meeting, held in Raleigh, N.C., in October.
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Advancements in the diagnosis of corneal ulcers, as well their medical and surgical treatment, were among the topics covered by Dennis Brooks, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVO, Professor of Ophthalmology at University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, during the first AAEP Focus on Ophthalmology meeting, held in Raleigh, N.C., in October.

Brooks said whenever a horse presents for eye pain it should always be examined for possible corneal ulceration. If the veterinarian confirms corneal ulceration through their examination of the eye, it should always be treated aggressively regardless of how minor it might appear.

Veterinarians use fluorescein dye to determine the presence and extent of corneal damage/ulceration in a horse's eye. They might also utilize Rose Bengal dye to determine the disruption of the tear film or the possible presence of fungal contamination, which can be negative to fluorescein dye in the early stages of the injury/ulceration.

Sterile swabs for culture of the affected area of the cornea should be obtained in rapidly progressing or deep ulcerations. Culture of the affected lesion should be followed by "scraping" of the edge of the corneal defect for cytology to determine the presence of either bacteria or fungal hyphae and to allow for more targeted treatment of the lesion

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Written by:

Kristen Slater, DVM, practices with Kasper & Rigby Veterinary Associates in Magnolia, Texas. Her practice interests include preventive medicine, reproduction, sports rehabilitation, and conditioning.

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