What are Corneal Ulcers?
Corneal ulcers are quite a common occurrence in cats. However, if it goes unchecked, it could lead to much discomfort and total loss of vision.
If it wasn’t for the cornea, it would be a dark world for your cat. One of its most important functions is supporting vision by allowing light to pass through it into the eye so that your cat can enjoy the beauty of sight as much as you do. It also protects the inner parts of the eye from harmful elements such as bacteria and any other foreign objects including chemicals by the simple virtue of being the eye’s outer layer. Corneal ulcers occur when the outermost part of the cornea is broken.
Corneal Ulcers Average Cost
From 496 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,500
Average Cost
$1,000
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
Symptoms of Corneal Ulcers in Cats
Corneal ulcers are quite painful. It is, therefore, not too hard to notice when they descend on your feline pet. When your cat shows the following signs, it’s time to see a vet:
- Squinting and sensitivity to bright light
- Discharge from the affected eye
- Reddening of the eye due to inflammation
- Clouded cornea
- Rubbing and pawing at the affected eye
- General signs of problems with the cat’s vision
Types
Remember, the cornea is made up of four layers. While the epithelium is the outermost part and protects the inner layers from permeation by water and harmful elements, the second layer is the basement membrane which separates the epithelium from the third one—the stroma. The innermost layer is the endothelium. Classified into various groups, the type of corneal ulcers is determined by the affected part of the cornea.
- Superficial ulcers affect only the epithelium.
- Deep ulcers go past the epithelium into the stroma.
- Descemetoceles go deeper into the endothelium, which is also known as the descemet’s membrane, sometimes leading to perforation of the eye.
Causes of Corneal Ulcers in Cats
The appearance of corneal ulcers in your cat could be as a result of any of the countless causes. While the level of harm to the eye could be as damaging as any other, it could be as a result of such a trivial thing as an ingrown eyelash. In most cases, however, the causes are more serious. They include:
- Infections by bacteria and virus
- Exposure to harmful chemicals
- Dirt under the eyelid
- Injuries sustained during a fight or play
- Dry eye
- Paralysis of the facial nerves
Remember, if your cat is young, it is an easy target for Feline herpesvirus (FHV). The virus may affect your cat for the rest of its life through recurrence. Nevertheless, it does not happen in every case.
Diagnosis of Corneal Ulcers in Cats
If you think your cat is in trouble from corneal ulcers, the best step to take is to have it examined. Usually, the veterinarian will conduct an observation of the affected eye with the help of fluorescein dye. The presence of the condition is confirmed by a greenish color on the affected part of the eye. The coloration is caused by binding of the fluorescein to the ulcerous tissue.
Keep in mind that the descemet’s membrane does not absorb the dye. In case of descemetoceles, therefore, there will be a bulge. If the fluorescein dye is used, the condition will reveal its presence through a green boundary and a dark circle.
To determine whether the problem is caused by facial nerve paralysis, the function of the facial nerves is analyzed. A Schirmer’s test is necessary in case of dryness of the eyes. It involves the insertion of paper strips into the eyes to determine whether the amount of tears produced are enough to keep the eyes wet.
Treatment of Corneal Ulcers in Cats
One of the main considerations during treatment of corneal ulcers is the seriousness of the condition. Among the most important aims is pain relief, prevention of the spread of fungal or bacterial infection and control of the inflammation. However, different types of the condition require different levels of attention and treatment. The restoration of the eye to its exact former self will depend on the severity of the ulcer and the treatment administered.
Antibiotic Therapy
Antibiotics are usually administered in cases of superficial corneal ulcers. They help reduce the cat’s suffering from pain and halt any contractions of the ciliary muscles as well as protect the affected eye against infections. However, remember that the use of antibiotics including atropine may lower the production of tears and thus negatively affect the healing process. While superficial ulcers normally require a period of not more than a week to heal, cats suffering from the herpes virus will have to be put on medication permanent ly due to recurrence of the condition.
Surgical Therapy
In case your cat has ulcers going deeper past the stromal layer, it may be necessary to take more complicated measures including corneal suturing, corneal transplant, conjunctival flaps and grafts and contact lenses. Apart from providing structural support, surgical therapy is important in repairing of the cornea and restoring its normal functions. Conjunctival flaps, for example, are helpful in instantly supplying blood to the cornea and helping in provision of important requirements for healing.
Keep in mind that the island graft doesn’t initiate a blood supply. Therefore, a way of supplying blood to the cornea should be available for it to be fully effective. In addition, an antibiotic ointment will have to be applied on the eye for a minimum of the first 10 days after surgery, three to four times every day. After two weeks, the flap should have stuck to the cornea.
Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.
Recovery of Corneal Ulcers in Cats
Even with superficial ulcers, your cat needs frequent and consistent attention from the veterinarian. Some of them are too stubborn to heal within as short a period as you would expect. In that case, dead tissue needs to be removed to allow the growth of new ones. Since scraping is involved, the cat has to be put under anesthesia.
Remember, the application of ointments should be frequent. In case of corneal ulcers caused by dryness in the eyes, the cat could be provided with artificial tears. In addition, it should be put under close observation to ensure that it doesn’t paw at the treated eye or put it in harm during feeding. If the eye does not heal after two weeks, it’s time to consider alternative treatment methods.
Corneal ulcers in cats can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your cat is at risk of developing corneal ulcers, start searching for pet insurance today. Brought to you by Pet Insurer, Wag! Wellness lets pet parents compare insurance plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Embrace. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!
Corneal Ulcers Average Cost
From 496 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,500
Average Cost
$1,000
Top
Corneal Ulcers Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Sphinx
Four Months
11 found this helpful
11 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Corneal Ulcer
My cat has a corneal ulcer and we have a meeting with an optometrist to see if it needs surgery on Friday. I'm concerned because thus far the ulcer has appeared transparent but it has turned opaque red today. Is this a sign it could be getting closer to breaking and causing permanent eye damage? Should I try to move up the appointment?
Aug. 5, 2020
Answered by Jessica N. DVM
11 Recommendations
Hello-
Thank you for your question. Without seeing the eye it is difficult to make a determination, but opaque red could indicate hemorrhage in the cornea or the anterior chamber. With an acute change to the eye I would recommend seeing if you can get into the specialist sooner to have the eye examined. I hope he feels better soon. Take care.
Aug. 5, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Indonesian domesic cat
Two Months
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Ulcers
This is a stray cat I rescued. His eyes used to have inflammation and lots of dirt but I have given him Teramicyn and he starts to get better. But i notice theres a cloudy part and ulcer in his eyes. What treatment should i give him? thank you
Aug. 1, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
Cats can be affected by chronic Herpesvirus lesions in their eyes, and they may not resolve, or may need specialized therapy. That is quite a deep ulcer, and likely needs antibiotic ointment. It would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian, as they can look at his eyes and examine them closely, and see what might be going on.
I hope that he is okay.
Aug. 1, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Domestic Shorthair Tbaby
Bruce
5 Years
9 found this helpful
9 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Eye Clouding
Eye Redness
Lack Of Appetite
Cat has a painful corneal ulcer and has shown a lack on interesting in eating, he will eat if I hand feed him, and perks up for treats. Still grooming, using his litter pan and being social with us. Can his pain be the cause of his lack of appetite?
Aug. 13, 2018
9 Recommendations
Any sort of pain including ocular pain may result in a loss of appetite, but without examining Bruce I cannot confirm whether this is the case or not; you should think about visiting your Veterinarian to treat the corneal ulcer as well as checking Bruce for symptoms of any other underlying condition which may cause a loss of appetite to be on the safe side. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 14, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
moggy
Tink
13 Weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
my kitten had an eye ulcer which has been treated however vet thinks she may have strands of scarring into her iris as third eyelid showing sometimes. What is the risk of me not going to a Beth art optamologist?
July 6, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Depending on the cause of the ulcer and possible resulting problems, if your veterinarian has recommended that you have Tink seen by an ophthalmologist, it would be a good idea to do so, if you can. I'm not sure how severe the condition is, but risk of not following up may be the loss of that eye at some point. If you aren't able to see the ophthalmologist, it would be best to let your veterinarian know that, so that they can treat as best as possible, rather than not at all.
July 7, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
Siamese
Leo
12 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Cloudy Eye
I have an outdoor cat that had a corneal ulcer diagnosed 8 weeks ago. We started treatment 2 times/day with an antibiotic ointment. Some of the conguntivious was better, but he was still light sensitive, so I took him to the normal went vet instead of the mobile vet. She prescribed an antibiotic drop. He continues to heal, but is not completely healed. We worked through 3 different cone sizes. At one point he had damaged his eye with rubbing it early on, so we had some back tracking to overcome. Now he has an antibiotic drop 4 times/day followed two times 10 minutes later with Milo (sp) cream. There is continuous improvement, but is very slow. We tried to make an appointment with a specialist, but it is two months out. I personally feel he should be healed before the day of the appointment with the ophthalmologist. My question is , how long can the cornea take to heal? Once healed are there precautions to take?
mixed
Gray
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Cloudy Eye,
Adopted a cat a few weeks ago.. she was part of a hoarding case and considered completely feral.. I had gotten her and a few others as barn cats. I was told they did an exam as best as they could. I was told she was “probably blind in one eye” by the shelter staff, however looking through her paperwork it mentions corneal ulcer. It does not say whether it has been treated or not. I can’t catch her to try to take her to the vet as she is still very scared of people. She is eating and drinking and grooming herself just fine, but how would I go about finding out if she is in pain or not without a vet visit??
Unknown
Captain
3 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Eye Clouding
I adopted a kitten (Captain) at 10 weeks old with bilateral eye infection (ulcers possibly due to herpes virus according to the adoption clinic). Both eyes look like they have a thin white layer of tissue covering the entire surface. The adoption clinic stated that Captain had been treated for the eye infection for 8 weeks (starting at 2 weeks old) with various antibiotics. They sent us home with terramycin to use for 2 additional weeks. When we returned after 2 weeks for additional vaccines and eye checkup, the clinician stated that antibiotics are no longer needed and the white cloudy layer will eventually thin out. It's been over a week since we stopped treating with the antibiotic ointment, and Captain doesn't seem to be in pain, with no redness or discharge from the eyes. He's now a little over 3 months old and his eyes are still very sensitive to light. There is still a white layer over each eye, with the left eye worse than the right. I feel that Captain bumps into things because he still can't see well. My question is: how long do I wait to see if the eyes will get better before I take my kitten to the vet to see if other treatment and/or surgery is needed? Can surgery cure the infection rather than continuous treatment with antibiotics? Please advise
Corneal Ulcers Average Cost
From 496 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,500
Average Cost
$1,000
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
