Indolent Eye Ulcer in Dog

PinkyPetunia · ‎03-09-2010

My poor 11 year old dog is suffering from an eye ulcer. Ran from vet on Sat. to a pet opthalmologist yesterday. Had to beg and plead to get her in as she had this 2 years ago and it's a misery.

Dog needed a procedure (grid keratotomy) and a contact lens was placed to protect the eye. Various ointments, drops & meds must be given for 2 weeks, then the doc rechecks. Worst of all, dog must wear an E-collar which she hates. We remove it when someone is with her to give her a break, but when she's alone the collar is worn.

I am frazzled as I'm the Florence Nightingale here. Hubs is too squeamish to do the eye meds so I have to wrestle the 80 lb. Pinky. She submits but is not happy and I am stressed out.

Just venting here. I will do what is needed but just wondering if anyone else has dealt with this type of ulcer? Pinky's had it before in the other eye and it takes a while to resolve. I have to give her an ointment and a pill now. Poor baby.

NickNack · ‎03-10-2010

I'm so sorry about Pinkie's eye ulcer. I had a dog that used to get eye ulcers (not sure if it was the same type as Pinkie's--vet never used the word Indolent). I know it was very painful. I always took her in immediately and had drops to put in her eyes. I guess we had oral meds, too, but I don't remember. Surgery was never mentioned, so it must not have been the same thing. I hope Pinkie recovers soon.

The Bluebird Carries The Sky On His Back"
-Henry David Thoreau

Ainhisg · ‎03-09-2010

Yes, my 55-pound dog had the same procedure done with the same protocol. After going through all the expense and time (we had to drive three hours away for the procedure), we left the e-collar on 24/7. Not a good time for him or for us, but we did not want to take a chance on him scratching his eye...it can happen in an instant. Went back in two weeks and his eye had healed! We were so happy! The easiest way to apply the ointment is to have him sit, get behind him straddling his back, tilt his head up and hold it with one hand, with the other hand---pull back his upper eyelid with your ring finger, and then use your other fingers to squeeze in a drop on ointment. Do not rub his eye! The ointment will spread naturally. Warm the ointment tube in a cup of hot tap water for 30 seconds before applying, and it makes this portion of the treatment much easier.

Keeper of the koi · ‎12-14-2015

@PinkyPetunia, yes this is a trying time , for you and your dog. Sending you a hug.My shihtzu got cataracts from diabeties and we had the surgery , 3 drops 4 x a day Collar for 3 months.Hard for a flat faced dog to eat or drink he also had eyes sewed shut on edges. Best not to take the collor off at all but to clean it while on , injury can happen very quickly not worth it. my little one had a scratch when he was young that eye has now had the retina detach partially . eye issues can result later in blindness. Have you seen an eye specialist?we drove several hours away to one.Best thing we have ever done.This will pass. Just try your best like you would with any family member.It isnt forever,...Hugs to doggie and you..Maryanne Ps the eye meds from behind is the only way to go,they dont see it coming!

PinkyPetunia · ‎03-09-2010

@Keeper of the koi @Ainhisg

I appreciate the sympathy and the hints about applying the eye meds. Will try approaching from behind and warming the ointment. Thanks to all for responding.

tropics21 · ‎05-02-2010

I can't believe I came about this post today. I am in the same boat. My 90 boxer's cornea was scratched when he was playing with my daughter's dog. I took him to my local vet, and he told me Boxer's have a gene that if their cornea is scratched it sometimes doesn't heal. He sent me home with antibiotic drops and corneal repair drops. Went back a week later it didn't heal, hence the gene. Took him to a vet opthalmologist wednesday, two days ago, he did the same procedure and gave me antibiotic eye drops, anti inflammatory crops, and pain meds and a cone. Poor thing. He won't open his eye to give the drops. anybody have any suggestions to get the eye healed???? My 11 1/2 year old boxer has cancer and was suppose to start palliative chemotherapy this coming Monday but the oncologist won't since the chemo will slow the growth of the eye so that is postponed. can someone post as to how to get these drops in? Thanks

Rose429 · ‎08-26-2012

Tropics 21, I have had boxers my whole life and have dealt with corneal abrasions 5 different times in multiple dogs. Turn their head upward and pull lower lid down and put drop in sac of lower lid, or put head upward and pry open eye gently ( upper and lower lid) with one hand and put drop in with other hand. Keep cone in place as they will rub eye on furniture or with their paw quite quickly before u can stop them. Good luck to u and the other dog owners pet that has an abrasion. They will heal but it takes time and patience.