Dog Eye Ulcers Dubai: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention Guide

What Are Eye Ulcers in Dogs?

The cornea is your dog’s eye’s transparent protective shield. It is thinner than 1mm but incredibly strong. It allows light to enter whilst protecting the delicate structures behind it.

Corneal ulcers are essentially open wounds on the eye’s surface. They develop when infection, trauma, or inflammation damages the cornea’s outermost layers. In Dubai’s environment, several factors contribute to these injuries.

Common causes include:

• Sand and dust particles: Frequent sandstorms and construction dust can irritate and scratch the cornea
• Trauma from outdoor activities, fighting or playing with other animals
• Foreign bodies: Thorns from desert plants, grass seeds from landscaped areas, or debris from construction sites
• Eyelid abnormalities, such as an inturned eyelid
• Dry eye conditions: Worsened by air conditioning and low-humidity environments

Recognising the Symptoms

Eye ulcers cause significant pain due to the cornea’s rich nerve supply. Your dog won’t be able to tell you their eye hurts, so watch for these signs.

Immediate symptoms to watch for:

• Excessive tearing or discharge from the affected eye
• Frequent blinking or keeping the eye partially or completely closed
• Bloodshot, red appearance around the eye
• Cloudy or hazy patch on the eye’s surface
• Pawing or rubbing at the eye area
• Visible third eyelid appearing red and prominent in the corner
• Sensitivity to Dubai’s bright sunlight – your dog may avoid going outdoors or squint excessively

The pain from corneal ulcers often causes dogs to become less active and withdraw from family interactions. You might notice your usually friendly dog becoming reluctant to participate in beach walks or park visits.

Dogs Most at Risk

Whilst any dog can develop eye ulcers, certain factors increase vulnerability.

High-risk breeds:

• Brachycephalic breeds: Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, and French Bulldogs are extremely popular in Dubai, but their prominent eyes make them susceptible to injury
• Dogs prone to dry eye: West Highland White Terriers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Miniature Schnauzers
• Older dogs: Senior pets whose healing capacity has diminished
• Active outdoor dogs: Those frequenting beaches, desert areas, and construction zones

Dubai-specific risk factors:

• Dogs spending extensive time in air-conditioned environments, which can worsen dry eye conditions
• Pets exercising during peak sun hours (10am-4pm) when UV exposure is highest
• Dogs with limited shade access during outdoor activities

Professional Diagnosis

A diagnostic approach includes:

• Eye examination: Checking for signs of pain, inflammation, and structural abnormalities
• Ophthalmoscope examination: Using specialised lighting and magnification to examine the cornea and interior eye structures
• Fluorescein staining test: Applying a dye that sticks to any ulcerated areas, making them visible under blue light
• Slit lamp examination: Advanced equipment providing detailed views of eye structures to assess ulcer depth and complications

When you bring your dog to Modern Vet with suspected eye problems, our experienced veterinary team uses advanced diagnostic tools to assess the situation thoroughly. Our Dubai-based veterinary professionals understand the unique environmental challenges your pet faces and tailor their examination accordingly. We’ll also assess potential underlying causes specific to our region’s conditions.

Treatment Options

Treatment varies depending on the ulcer’s severity, underlying cause, and your dog’s individual circumstances. A comprehensive approach addresses both immediate pain relief and long-term healing.

For uncomplicated ulcers:

• Antibiotic eye drops
• Artificial tears or lubricants
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Oral pain relief

When simple medications aren’t sufficient, additional procedures may be recommended:

• Cotton bud debridement: Gently removing loose, damaged tissue
• Grid keratotomy: Creating tiny scratches to stimulate healing
• Diamond burr keratectomy: Using precision instruments to remove unhealthy tissue
• Surgical grafts: Transplanting healthy tissue to repair severe damage
• Superficial keratectomy: Removal of the top layer of the ulcer

Addressing underlying causes:

• Removing foreign bodies safely
• Correcting eyelid abnormalities through surgery
• Managing dry eye conditions with ongoing treatment
• Treating infections with targeted antibiotics

Home Care in Dubai’s Climate

Recovery success depends heavily on proper home care. This can be particularly challenging in Dubai’s environment:

• Apply all prescribed drops exactly as directed, even if your dog seems better
• Keep your dog indoors during sandstorms and peak heat hours
• Use an Elizabethan collar consistently to prevent rubbing. This is especially important overnight
• Gently removing the buildup of any discharge
• Limit outdoor activities to early morning or evening when conditions are calmer

Prevention Strategies

• Avoid outdoor activities during sandstorms or high-wind conditions
• Monitor interactions with other pets, particularly during initial meetings
• Regular eye cleaning. Wipe away discharge daily to prevent bacterial buildup
• Consider doggy goggles for beach activities or desert adventures
• Ensure adequate shelter during outdoor activities
• Recognition of warning signs. Yellow or green discharge indicates infection requiring immediate attention

Dubai-specific precautions:

• Schedule exercise during cooler hours (before 8am or after 6pm)
• Rinse your dog’s face and eyes after beach visits to remove salt and sand
• Maintain moderate humidity levels in your home
• Regular veterinary check-ups to catch problems early

When to Seek Immediate Help

Certain symptoms require emergency veterinary attention, regardless of the time or day.

Emergency situations – contact Modern Vet immediately:

• Sudden blindness or vision changes
• Collapsed or sunken eyeball
• Penetrating eye injuries from sharp objects
• Severe pain that prevents your dog from opening the eye
• Rapid worsening of symptoms despite treatment

Schedule urgent appointments for:

• Cloudy patches appearing on the eye surface
• Persistent redness and pain after treating conjunctivitis
• Any eye injury, however minor it may appear
• Discharge that changes colour or increases in volume

Eye problems can worsen quickly, causing severe damage. Modern Vet Hospital in Dubai has excellent 24-hour veterinary facilities. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re concerned about your dog’s condition.

At Modern Vet, we understand that Dubai pet owners need accessible, expert care for their beloved companions. Our ophthalmology services combine international standards with local expertise, ensuring your dog receives the best possible treatment for eye conditions.

Our team recognises the unique challenges facing Dubai pets, from environmental factors to the stress of a busy urban lifestyle. We provide comprehensive care that addresses not just the immediate problem but also long-term eye health in our demanding climate.