Corneal Ulcer

​Question: What is this and why is it green?

Answer:  This is a corneal ulcer in the eye of a dog.  The reason that it is green is because in order to diagnose a corneal ulcer, we must do a fluorescein stain to see if there is any green uptake indicating an ulcer.  A corneal ulcer is a break in the outer layer of the cornea and though initially painful, should heal within 4 to 7 days with appropriate topical antibiotics.  However, ulcers that are not healing are deemed complicated and may require surgery to help the healing process.  Signs of an eye ulcer include holding their eyelids shut, excessive tearing and blinking, and rubbing their eye on things.   If you suspect an ulcer, see a veterinarian immediately because simple ulcers can quickly develop into complicated ulcers which can compromise your dog’s vision.