Corneal Ulcers, Superficial Nonhealing

Corneal Ulcers, Superficial Nonhealing


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Basic Information image



Definition


A superficial, nonhealing, noninfected corneal ulcer



Synonym(s)


Indolent ulcer



Epidemiology



Risk Factors




• Any type of ocular trauma


• Feeding hay from hay bags, nets, or balls



Clinical Presentation



Disease Forms/Subtypes


Superficial nonhealing corneal ulcer



History, Chief Complaint


Chronic, nonhealing corneal ulcer that is nonresponsive to topical medications



Physical Exam Findings


Indolent corneal ulcers in horses are similar to small animal indolent ulcers. The characteristic appearance is a superficial ulcer with a redundant epithelial border. Other signs include minimal corneal neovascularization, focal edema, and moderate discomfort (Figure 1).


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FIGURE 1 Superficial nonhealing corneal ulcer in a horse.



Etiology and Pathophysiology




• Superficial nonhealing cornea ulcers are chronic ulcers in which the corneal epithelium will not adhere to the underlying corneal stroma.


• A defect of the superficial corneal stroma is suspected.



Diagnosis image



Differential Diagnosis


Other causes of corneal ulceration should be ruled out before a diagnosis is made.



• Foreign body (eg, burdock bristles)


• Ectopic cilia, distichiasis


• Infectious keratitis


• Viral keratitis


• Lagophthalmos (eg, facial nerve paralysis)


• Neurotrophic keratitis (lack of cranial nerve V innervation)


• Chronic trauma

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Jul 24, 2016 | Posted by in SMALL ANIMAL | Comments Off on Corneal Ulcers, Superficial Nonhealing

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