Pet Indolent Ulcer Treatment in Greenville, SC
At Carolina Animal Eye, we offer advanced indolent ulcers treatment tailored to your pet’s specific needs, helping them heal comfortably and safely.
Signs of Indolent Ulcers in Pets and When to Seek Treatment
Is your pet squinting, tearing excessively, or showing signs of eye discomfort that just won’t go away? They may be suffering from an indolent ulcer — an eye condition that often looks minor but can cause long-term pain and complications without proper treatment.
What Are Indolent Ulcers?
Indolent ulcers, also known as spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs), occur when the outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium) fails to adhere properly to the underlying tissue. Despite medical treatment, these ulcers often linger for weeks without healing and frequently recur.
Indolent ulcers are most commonly seen in middle-aged to older dogs, especially Boxers, Boston Terriers, and other breeds with prominent eyes, but they can develop after minor trauma or seemingly without cause.
Common signs include:
- Squinting or excessive blinking
- Eye redness and tearing
- Light sensitivity
- Pawing or rubbing the eye
- Cloudy or bluish appearance over the cornea
Prompt treatment is key to relieving pain and preventing complications such as deeper corneal injury or infection.
Advanced Treatment Options for Indolent Ulcers
At Carolina Animal Eye, we specialize in effective procedures that stimulate natural corneal healing in pets. Our board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists assess each case and recommend the most appropriate treatment based on the severity and response to prior care.
Our treatment options include:
- Grid Keratotomy – This is a minor procedure in which a fine pattern of scratches is made on the cornea to promote new epithelial cell attachment.
- Diamond Burr Keratectomy – A minor procedure using a precision instrument to gently remove the loose, non-adhering corneal tissue and stimulate healing.
- Thermokeratoplasty – A controlled heat treatment applied to the cornea, often reserved for severely recurrent ulcers or resistant cases.
- Superficial Keratectomy – A surgical procedure that removes the outermost layer of the cornea under magnification, providing a clean surface for epithelial regrowth.
- Bandage Contact Lens Placement – A soft lens is placed on the eye to protect the healing surface, reduce pain, and support recovery. It is often used in combination with the above treatments.
Why Treatment Matters
Indolent ulcers can be painful and disruptive to your pet’s quality of life. Left untreated, they may deepen, become infected, or result in scarring and vision loss. While eye drops and antibiotics may temporarily relieve symptoms, most indolent ulcers require advanced intervention to resolve fully.
By addressing the root of the healing failure, our treatments reduce recurrence and help your pet heal faster, with less discomfort and fewer complications.
What to Expect
When you bring your pet to Carolina Animal Eye for indolent ulcer treatment, you can expect:
- A thorough eye examination, including fluorescein staining and magnified evaluation of the cornea
- Personalized treatment recommendations based on your pet’s unique condition and healing history
- Minimally invasive, outpatient procedures are performed with precision and care
- Follow-up visits to monitor healing progress and ensure long-term success
Most pets experience rapid improvement in comfort, and healing typically occurs within 1–2 weeks following treatment.
If your pet has a persistent or painful eye ulcer, don’t wait. Early intervention with the right treatment can relieve discomfort and prevent long-term damage.