Indolent ulcers should be considered in superficial ulcers that fail to heal appropriately. Indolent ulcers typically occur in any middle-aged dog with an erosion that fails to heal within 2 weeks. These typically happen in dogs 8-9 years old. Other potential causes of delayed wound healing include eyelid abnormalities, foreign bodies, tear film abnormalities, exposure, eyelid paraylsis and others.
Indolent ulcers typically have a classic clinical appearance. They are superficial ulcers with a loose ring of epithelium. The fluorescein stain will typically work it's way under the loose epithelium. Indolent ulcers do not have loss of stroma, only epithelium.
The degree of pain in these patients is typically varied. Some patients are extremely painful, whereas chronic cases are typically less painful.
Past treatments involve topical antibiotics as well as a grid keratotomy, which utilizes a needle to "scratch" the cornea. At The Animal Eye Institute, we use a combination of cotton-tipped debridement, topical antibiotics, pain medications, a contact lens, medications to speed healing, and a diamond burr superficial keratotomy! This technology has not only kept the patient's eye more safe, but heals the cornea much more quickly. Your dog will receive an E-Collar and will need to have a recheck examination in 2 weeks. Schedule your appointment today to experience this great new technology and faster healing rates!
-Dr. DJ Haeussler, Jr.
