Determinants for the development of indolent corneal ulcers in dogs

Abstract

This paper discusses generalized and refined information about the risk factors for the occurrence and development of indolent (chronic, non-healing) corneal ulcers in dogs based on new research. The authors confirmed data from both domestic and foreign researchers indicating that both male and female dogs of breeds as French Bulldog, Pug, Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Pomeranian, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Russian Toy Terrier, German Shepherd, and their mixed breeds are susceptible to this pathology, with an average age range of 9 ± 2 years. Most of these dogs belong to brachycephalic breeds making this risk factor particularly significant. Original data were also obtained indicating that indolent corneal ulcers most commonly occur in unneutered males which may be related to hormonal processes in dogs and requires further study. It was determined that in most cases, this corneal pathology developed spontaneously without the involvement of exogenous factors. Another common cause of the disease was trauma and disruption of corneal integrity, especially in French Bulldogs. The occurrence and development of non-healing ulcers were facilitated by the local application of glucocorticoids in the form of eye drops, which was explained by the suppression of proliferation and renewal processes of the epithelium due to the use of these medications. The authors emphasize that the risk factors for the occurrence and development of indolent corneal ulcers in dogs should be considered when conducting differential diagnosis of corneal ulcerative diseases along with anamnesis data.