Corneal injury of the eye
Playing between a dog and a cat can quickly lead to a corneal injury to the eye.
Corneal injury of the eye
A corneal injury is damage to the cornea, from superficial scratches to deep ulcers or perforationA perforation is a rupture or hole in the wall of a hollow organ, such as the gastrointestinal tract or bladder, which can lead to the release of contents into the body and severe infection. Perforations are Emergencies that require rapid veterinary intervention in dogs and cats.. It causes severe Pain, light sensitivity, watery eyes and often a squinted eye. If left untreated, there is a risk of infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease., Scar tissue formation and vision loss.
The cornea is the anterior, transparent layer of the eyeball and is a complex tissue with several layers. It consists of the outer epitheliumEpithelium is a type of tissue that lines the surfaces of the body, as well as internal cavities and ducts. Epithelial tissue serves as a protective barrier, is involved in secretion, and can have sensory functions., the stroma as the thickest middle layer, the Descemet membrane and the inner endothelium. The cornea fulfills two essential functions: it protects the inside of the eye from external influences and is also essential for the refraction of light and thus for vision. With around 40 diopters, it contributes significantly to the overall refractive power of the eye.
In dogs and cats, the cornea is particularly exposed and therefore susceptible to injuries. A corneal injury refers to any type of damage to this sensitive structure, with the depth of the injury being decisive for the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. and therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions.. Superficial injuries only affect the epitheliumEpithelium is a type of tissue that lines the surfaces of the body, as well as internal cavities and ducts. Epithelial tissue serves as a protective barrier, is involved in secretion, and can have sensory functions., while deeper Lesions can extend into the stroma or even to the Descemet membrane. In the event of a perforationA perforation is a rupture or hole in the wall of a hollow organ, such as the gastrointestinal tract or bladder, which can lead to the release of contents into the body and severe infection. Perforations are Emergencies that require rapid veterinary intervention in dogs and cats., the entire cornea is broken through, which is an emergency.
The anatomyAnatomy is the scientific study of the structure of living things. It deals with the construction and organization of organisms, including their systems, organs, and tissues. of the animal eye has some special features: In cats, the cornea is more curved in relation to the size of the eye than in dogs, which makes it appear more prominent optically. Certain dog breeds, especially brachycephalic breeds such as pugs or bulldogs, have particularly exposed eyes due to their skull shape and are therefore at increased risk of corneal injuries.
Causes
A corneal injury to the eye refers to scratches or abrasions on the anterior layer of the eyeball, the cornea (physical damage). This can happen through branches, scratching or playing with a cat, sand, chips, thorns or the like (Fig.).
Corneal injuries in dogs and cats can be caused by various mechanisms. The most common causes are:
Mechanical traumas are the main cause of corneal injuries. These include scratches from branches, thorns or grasses when brushing through undergrowth, injuries from cat claws during scuffles or play, and foreign bodies such as awns, grains of sand or small splinters of wood that get into the eye. Blunt traumas from bumps or blows can also lead to corneal damage.
Chemical injuries result from Contact with irritants such as detergents, acids, alkalis or other chemicals. Depending on the substance and exposureExposure refers to the Contact with or subjection to certain substances, environmental factors, or pathogens. In veterinary medicine, this can include Contact with toxins, allergens, or infectious agents that can cause health problems in dogs and cats. time, these can cause damage of varying severity, with alkaline substances often being particularly dangerous because they can penetrate deep into the tissue.
Breed-specific predispositions play an important role. Brachycephalic dog breeds such as pugs, French bulldogs or Pekingese, as well as cat breeds such as Persians, have protruding eyes due to their skull anatomyAnatomy is the scientific study of the structure of living things. It deals with the construction and organization of organisms, including their systems, organs, and tissues. that are less protected by the orbital cavityThe orbital cavity is a bony structure in the skull that surrounds the eye and its adnexa. It protects the eye and provides attachment points for the eye muscles.. In addition, these breeds are more likely to suffer from eyelid malformations and reduced eyelid closure, which means that the cornea is less moistened and protected.
Secondary damage can be caused by chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. conditions such as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye), eyelid malformations (entropion, ectropion) or distichiasis (misdirection of the eyelashes). These lead to permanent irritation of the cornea and increase the susceptibility to injuries and infections.
In cats, infections with the felineFeline refers to anything related to cats. The term is used to describe diseases, behaviors, or anatomical aspects that are specific to cats. herpesvirus (FHV-1) are also a common cause of corneal Lesions, which can develop into severe ulcerations.
Symptoms
Corneal injury to the eye in dogs and cats
Typical Symptoms:
- Spasmodic eyelid closure, squinting, blinking, watery eyes, rubbing, wiping the eye with the front paw
- Redness, photophobia, possibly visible defect/opacity
- Painful eye, possibly Contact with a foreign body
Alarm signs:
- Cornea whitish/milky, deep defect, suspicion of a “hole”
- Severe Pain + pupil changes (uveitis/glaucoma)
- PurulentPurulent refers to pus or the production of pus, which may indicate a bacterial infection. Purulent inflammatory conditions are often painful and may have significant swelling and redness. discharge, rapidly increasing opacity
Escalation/course:
- Hours: UlcerAn ulcer is an open wound or erosion of the skin or mucous membrane that often heals poorly and can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections and chronic inflammatory conditions. can deepen (especially when rubbing)
- 24–48 h: Risk of “melting ulcerAn ulcer is an open wound or erosion of the skin or mucous membrane that often heals poorly and can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections and chronic inflammatory conditions.” with infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. → rapid perforationA perforation is a rupture or hole in the wall of a hollow organ, such as the gastrointestinal tract or bladder, which can lead to the release of contents into the body and severe infection. Perforations are Emergencies that require rapid veterinary intervention in dogs and cats. possible
Increasing Pain/opacity despite therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. → escalate immediately
Corneal injuries in dogs and cats manifest themselves through characteristic symptoms that indicate Pain and irritation of the eye. The animals typically show spasmodic eyelid closure (blepharospasm), which is triggered by the Pain and light sensitivity. Affected animals often keep the eye closed or blink more frequently.
Increased tear flow (epiphora) is another typical symptom. Tear production is increased by the irritation of the injury to flush out foreign bodies and clean the cornea. This leads to watery eyes and often to tear stains in the fur below the eye.
Affected animals often show behavioral changes such as restlessness, increased rubbing of the eye with the paw or rubbing the head against objects. They may also exhibit increased light sensitivity (photophobia) and seek out dark places.
Inspection of the eye reveals redness of the conjunctiva (Conjunctival hyperemiaHyperemia refers to an increased blood volume in a body area, often as a reaction to inflammation or as a result of improved blood circulation. It can lead to redness and a feeling of warmth in the affected area.) and possibly eyelid edemaAn edema is a buildup of fluid in the body's tissues, leading to Swelling. Edema can be localized or generalized and is often a sign of an underlying condition.. The cornea itself may have opacities that vary depending on the severity and depth of the injury. In superficial injuries, the transparency of the cornea can be maintained, while deeper Lesions can lead to significant gray or whitish opacities.
In advanced cases, purulentPurulent refers to pus or the production of pus, which may indicate a bacterial infection. Purulent inflammatory conditions are often painful and may have significant swelling and redness. or slimy eye discharge may occur, indicating a secondary bacterial infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease.. In deep injuries, the cornea can change its shape and bulge (keratoconus) or sink in, indicating a loss of structural integrity.
Particularly serious is the appearance of a bluish shimmer or bulging of the cornea, which can indicate a descemetocele (bulging of the Descemet membrane) – a condition that can occur immediately before perforationA perforation is a rupture or hole in the wall of a hollow organ, such as the gastrointestinal tract or bladder, which can lead to the release of contents into the body and severe infection. Perforations are Emergencies that require rapid veterinary intervention in dogs and cats. of the cornea and is an absolute emergency.
First Aid
In general, any eye injury should be treated by a veterinarian as quickly as possible.
- If you can identify a single foreign body such as thorns, remove it carefully.
- If possible, do not touch the eyeball.
- Do not use tweezers, cotton swabs or the like.
- If you are unable to remove a foreign body straight away, leave it to a veterinarian. They may to sedateTo sedate is the process of putting an animal in a state of calm or light sleep by administering sedatives, often to reduce stress or facilitate medical procedures. your animal slightly for the treatment.
- In the case of foreign bodies such as sand, rinse the eye thoroughly with warm water.
- Do not use any eye medications without veterinary instructions.
When should you see a vet sooner?
→ Red for severely clouded cornea, visible perforationA perforation is a rupture or hole in the wall of a hollow organ, such as the gastrointestinal tract or bladder, which can lead to the release of contents into the body and severe infection. Perforations are Emergencies that require rapid veterinary intervention in dogs and cats., or severe traumaA trauma refers to a physical injury or damage caused by external force. Traumas can range from simple cuts to severe multiple injuries..
Diagnosis
The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of a corneal injury begins with a thorough medical historyThe medical history is the systematic collection of a patient's medical history through questioning. It includes information about previous illnesses, treatments, allergies, and lifestyle habits., in which the veterinarian asks about possible causes and the timeline of the symptoms. The clinical examination initially includes a careful inspection of the eye under good lighting conditions, paying attention to signs of redness, Swelling and discharge.
The fluorescein test is the most important diagnostic method when a corneal injury is suspected. A green dye is applied to the eye, which binds to damaged corneal tissue. Under blue light, the damaged areas light up intensely green, making even the smallest Epithel defects visible. The test is painless and provides important information about the location, size and depth of the injury.
The slit lampA slit lamp is a special microscope used in veterinary ophthalmology to examine the anterior structures of the eye in detail, including the cornea, the iris, and the lens. Examination with a slit lamp can aid in the diagnosis of eye diseases in dogs and cats. examination enables a detailed examination of the individual corneal layers. With this special microscope, the veterinarian can determine the depth of the injury more precisely and also identify even the smallest foreign bodies or deposits. It can also be assessed whether deeper structures such as the Descemet membrane or the endothelium are affected.
In complex cases, further diagnostic procedures can be used. Measuring intraocular pressure (tonometryTonometry is a diagnostic procedure used to measure the pressure in a body organ, most often used to determine intraocular pressure for glaucoma diagnosis.) is important to detect complications such as secondary glaucoma. A microbiological examination with a smear and culture can be carried out if an infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. is suspected in order to identify the pathogenA pathogen is a microorganism or virus that can cause disease in its host. Pathogens include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. and enable targeted antibiotic therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions..
In special cases, optical coherence tomography (OCT) can also be used, which provides high-resolution cross-sectional images of the cornea and enables a precise assessment of the layer structure.
The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. also includes the assessment of possible complications such as uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye), hypopyon (accumulation of pus in the anterior chamber of the eyeThe anterior chamber of the eye is the fluid-filled space between the cornea and the iris in the eye. It plays an important role in regulating intraocular pressure.) or incipient endophthalmitis (infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. of the inside of the eye).
Further veterinary measures
Slight, superficial injuries to the cornea of the eye usually heal without complications within 1–2 days.
Deep corneal injuries should always be presented to a veterinarian.
Germs may have entered the eye and the risk of consequential damage inside the eye, such as inflammatory conditions, infections and adhesions, as well as corneal opacities, is very high.
The veterinarian will examine the eye more closely using a magnifying glass and a slit lampA slit lamp is a special microscope used in veterinary ophthalmology to examine the anterior structures of the eye in detail, including the cornea, the iris, and the lens. Examination with a slit lamp can aid in the diagnosis of eye diseases in dogs and cats..
An antibiotic supply and possibly pain medication as well as special medications that prevent adhesions inside the eye are essential.
Supplement
The treatment of corneal injuries depends on the severity and depth of the injury and the presence of complications. The therapeutic spectrum ranges from conservative measures to surgical interventions.
In the case of superficial injuries, drug therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. is the main focus. Local antibiotics in the form of eye drops or ointments (e.g. ofloxacin, tobramycin) are used to prevent or treat secondary bacterial infections. The application usually takes place several times a day over a period of 7 to 14 days. AntifungalAntifungal means effective against fungal infections. Antifungal medications are used to treat infections caused by fungi by inhibiting their growth or reproduction, or by killing them. preparations are used for proven or suspected fungal infections.
Non-steroidalNon-steroidal refers to medications or substances that are not steroids and often have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, or antipyretic effects. They are used in dogs and cats to treat Pain and Inflammatory conditions. anti-inflammatory drugsAnti-inflammatory drugs are medications that reduce inflammation. They can be divided into nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids and are used in dogs and cats to reduce Inflammatory conditions and Pain. (NSAIDsNSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, a class of medications used to relieve pain, reduce inflammatory conditions, and lower fever without using steroidal agents. They are a commonly used pain reliever in veterinary medicine.) such as meloxicam are administered systemically to relieve Pain and inhibit inflammatory conditions. Local painkillers such as proxymetacaine should only be used for diagnostics, but not for long-term therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions., as they can delay healing.
In the case of deeper injuries or ulcerations involving the stroma, collagenase inhibitors such as acetylcysteine can also be used to slow down the enzymaticEnzymatic refers to processes catalyzed by enzymes. Enzymes are proteins that accelerate chemical reactions in the body and are essential for metabolism and numerous other vital functions. breakdown of the corneal tissue. In certain cases, the use of autologous serumSerum is the liquid part of the blood that remains after coagulation. It does not contain blood cells or coagulation factors, but many other proteins, antibody and electrolytes. Serum is used in diagnostics for a variety of blood tests. (eye drops obtained from the animal’s blood) can also be useful, as it contains growth factors that promote healing.
Surgical interventions are necessary for deep injuries, descemetoceles or perforations. Common techniques include:
- The conjunctival flap, in which a piece of the conjunctiva is pulled over the defect to protect the cornea and supply it with blood vessels
- Temporary tarsorrhaphy, in which the eyelids are partially sewn together to protect the cornea
- In the case of large defects, keratoplasty (corneal transplantation) or the use of biological membranes such as amniotic membrane may be necessary
In addition to local therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions., wearing an Elizabethan Collar is often necessary to avoid self-injury from Scratching. Short-term sedationSedation refers to the state of calming or suppressing the central nervous system with medication, which reduces anxiety and irritability and sometimes induces a light sleep. may be necessary for severe Pain or uncooperative patients.
In cats with herpesvirus-associated corneal Lesions, additional antiviral therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. with preparations such as ganciclovir or idoxuridine is indicated.
Prognosis and aftercare
The prognosis for corneal injuries depends largely on the depth and extent of the injury, the speed of treatment and possible complications. Superficial Epithel defects usually heal completely within 3–5 days with adequate treatment, without leaving any permanent damage. Deeper injuries that affect the stroma, on the other hand, take 1–2 weeks or longer to heal and can leave scars that can impair vision depending on their location.
Aftercare plays a crucial role in the success of healing. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor the healing process and adjust the therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. if necessary. In the first few days, daily check-ups may be necessary; later, the intervals are extended according to the healing process.
The correct application of the prescribed medication by the pet owner is necessary. Eye drops and ointments must be administered at the prescribed frequency and over the entire treatment period, even if there has already been an improvement. If there are difficulties with administration, techniques for gently immobilizing the animal should be used.
ProtectionProtection refers to safeguarding against diseases or harm. In veterinary medicine, this can include protecting animals through vaccinations, the use of parasite control products, or providing a safe environment. against self-injury from a neck brace must be maintained until the cornea has completely healed. This can be uncomfortable for the animal, but is essential for successful healing.
Complications that can occur during the healing phase include secondary infections, Scar tissue formation, chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. keratitis, symblepharon (adhesions between the cornea and conjunctiva) or secondary glaucoma. If there are signs of deterioration such as increasing redness, increased discharge or opacities, the veterinarian should be consulted immediately.
In the long term, regular ophthalmological check-ups can be useful after healed corneal injuries, especially in animals with predisposing factors such as brachycephalic skull shape or chronic eye diseases. Preventive measures such as correcting eyelid malformations or treating dry eye can reduce the risk of renewed injuries.
Summary
Corneal injuries in dogs and cats are common and potentially serious eye diseases that require immediate veterinary care. The transparent cornea, as the outermost layer of the eye, is particularly exposed and therefore susceptible to injury from mechanical impact, foreign bodies, or chemical substances.
The clinical symptoms include blepharospasm, increased tear flow, light sensitivity, and behavioral changes such as increased Rubbing the eye. The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is made by careful clinical examination, in particular by means of a fluorescein test and slit lampA slit lamp is a special microscope used in veterinary ophthalmology to examine the anterior structures of the eye in detail, including the cornea, the iris, and the lens. Examination with a slit lamp can aid in the diagnosis of eye diseases in dogs and cats. examination, in order to assess the location, size and depth of the injury.
The therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. depends on the severity of the injury and ranges from local antibiotics and painkillers for superficial defects to surgical procedures such as conjunctival flaps or keratoplasty for deep injuries or PenetrationPenetration describes the entry or permeation of a substance or organism into a body or material. In medicine, it can refer to the penetration of microorganisms into tissues or the insertion of instruments into the body.. Consistent aftercare with regular veterinary check-ups and correct medication administration is crucial for successful healing.
The Prognose depends largely on the depth of the injury and the speed of treatment. While superficial epithelial defects usually heal without consequences, deeper injuries can lead to Scar tissue formation and impairment of vision. Special attention is required for animals with predisposing factors such as brachycephalic breeds or those with chronic eye diseases.
Preventive measures such as avoiding dense undergrowth during walks, correcting eyelid malformations and regular ophthalmologyOphthalmology is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of eye diseases. Veterinary ophthalmology concerns the eye health of animals, including dogs and cats. check-ups can help to reduce the risk of corneal injuries and maintain the eye health of animals in the long term.
Outlook on current research
Research in the field of veterinary ophthalmologyOphthalmology is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of eye diseases. Veterinary ophthalmology concerns the eye health of animals, including dogs and cats. is making continuous progress, which also improves the treatment of corneal injuries in dogs and cats. Innovative therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. approaches aim to accelerate healing and optimize functional and aesthetic results.
A promising area of research is the use of growth factors and stem cells to promote corneal regeneration. Studies on the topicalTopical refers to the direct application of medications or treatments to the skin or mucous membranes for a local effect, without being absorbed into the body. application of mesenchymal stem cells have shown that they can accelerate the healing of corneal defects and reduce Scar tissue formation. These cells release bioactive substances that have an anti-inflammatory effect and promote tissue regeneration.
Advances in biomaterials research have led to the development of novel corneal replacement materials. Synthetic keratoprostheses and biocompatible collagen matrices offer alternatives for cases in which conventional therapy is not successful. These materials are continuously being developed to improve their integration into the tissue and their long-term stability.
The use of amniotic membrane as a biological wound dressing is becoming increasingly important. This membrane from the Plazenta contains anti-inflammatory factors, inhibits Scar tissue formation and promotes epithelialization. New preservation methods such as lyophilization (freeze-drying) make the amniotic membrane more durable and easier to use.
In the field of drug therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions., new formulations are being developed that allow a longer dwell time on the eye and better PenetrationPenetration describes the entry or permeation of a substance or organism into a body or material. In medicine, it can refer to the penetration of microorganisms into tissues or the insertion of instruments into the body. into the corneal tissue. Nanoparticles as carriers for antibiotics or anti-inflammatory substances can optimize drug release and reduce the frequency of application, which improves compliance.
Research into the felineFeline refers to anything related to cats. The term is used to describe diseases, behaviors, or anatomical aspects that are specific to cats. herpes virusA virus is a microscopic infectious particle that cannot reproduce on its own and must infect a host cell to produce new virus particles. Viruses can cause a variety of diseases in humans, animals, and plants. and its role in corneal diseases in cats is leading to more targeted antiviral therapies. New active ingredients with improved efficacy and fewer side effects are being developed in order to be able to better treat this common cause of corneal lesions in cats.
Advances in imaging DiagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients., especially in high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT), enable an increasingly precise assessment of the corneal structure and the healing process. These non-invasive procedures allow a detailed representation of the individual corneal layers and can thus contribute to optimizing the therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions..
The interdisciplinary collaboration between veterinary ophthalmologists, materials scientists and cell biologists opens up new perspectives for the treatment of complex corneal injuries and could lead to individualized therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. concepts in the future that are tailored to the specific needs of the individual patient.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- How do I know if my pet has a corneal injury?
Watch out for increased blinking, watery eyes, redness of the eye, light sensitivity or if your animal rubs its eye more often. If you suspect something, you should see a veterinarian immediately. - How long does it take for a corneal injury to heal?
The healing time depends on the depth of the injury. Superficial injuries usually heal within 3–5 days, while deeper injuries can take 1–2 weeks or longer. - Can my animal go blind after a corneal injury?
With timely and adequate treatment, the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. is mostly good. However, untreated or very deep injuries can lead to Scar tissue formation and visual impairments up to vision loss. - Why does my animal have to wear a neck brace?
The neck brace prevents your animal from Scratching or rubbing the injured eye, which could interfere with the healing process and cause further damage. - How do I give my animal eye drops?
Gently fix the head, pull the lower eyelid down slightly and put the drops into the conjunctival sac. Avoid direct Contact of the dropper tip with the eye. - Are certain dog or cat breeds more susceptible to corneal injuries?
Yes, brachycephalic breeds such as pugs, bulldogs and Persian cats have protruding eyes due to their skull anatomy and are therefore at increased risk of corneal injuries. - Can I prevent corneal injuries in my pet?
Avoid dense undergrowth when walking, keep your cat’s claws trimmed and have eyelid malformations corrected. Regular veterinary check-ups can also identify risk factors early on. - What is a fluorescein test and is it painful for my animal?
The fluorescein test is a painless examination in which a green dye is applied to the eye, which binds to damaged corneal areas and makes them visible under blue light. - Can a corneal injury heal on its own?
The smallest superficial injuries can sometimes heal on their own, but there is always a risk of complications such as infections. Therefore, a veterinary examination and treatment is strongly recommended. - What complications can occur with a corneal injury?
Possible complications include bacterial or fungal infections, descemetocele (bulging of the deep corneal layer), perforationA perforation is a rupture or hole in the wall of a hollow organ, such as the gastrointestinal tract or bladder, which can lead to the release of contents into the body and severe infection. Perforations are Emergencies that require rapid veterinary intervention in dogs and cats. of the cornea, uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye) or chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. keratitis with Scar tissue formation.
Literature
- Hertslet, Shirin; Jawinski, Gabriele: Perforating corneal injuries – diagnosis and initial care. kleintier konkret 2011; 14(S 01): 13-16, Enke Verlag
- Löwe, G. and Löwe, O. (2021). Emergencies in dogs and cats – A veterinary Guide. Kynos-Verlag. 208 pp.
- Ledbetter EC, Gilger BC. Diseases and Surgery of the Canine Cornea and Sclera. In: Gelatt KN, Gilger BC, Kern TJ, editors. Veterinary Ophthalmology. 6th ed. Hoboken: Wiley-Blackwell; 2021. p. 1082-1164.
- Pot SA, Gallhöfer NS, Matheis FL, Voelter-Ratson K, Hafezi F, Spiess BM. Corneal collagen cross-linking as treatment for infectious and noninfectious corneal melting in cats and dogs: results of a prospective, nonrandomized, controlled trial. Veterinary Ophthalmology. 2014;17(4):250-260.
- Jégou JP, Tromeur F. Superficial keratectomy for chronic corneal ulcers refractory to medical treatment in 36 cats. Veterinary Ophthalmology. 2015;18(4):335-340.
- Lacerda RP, Peña Gimenez MT, Laguna F, Costa D, Ríos J, Leiva M. Corneal grafting for the treatment of feline corneal sequestrum: a retrospective study of 18 eyes (13 cats). Veterinary Ophthalmology. 2017;20(4):344-349.