The Never Healing Ulcer

By Kay Hisano | Dated April 12, 2024

Pancakes was brought into Gordon Vet Hospital when his owner noticed his right eye was much more gunky than usual. Being a Pekingese, Pancakes’ eyes are one of his main trait. After an eye examination, we found that he had a scratch on his eye which was causing the squinting and gunky eye. Ulcers can form due to multiple reasons including trauma, infections, underlying health conditions, and anatomical abnormalities. These ulcers can be very painful and often require close monitoring to make sure they completely heal. We immediately started her on antibiotic eye drops, anti-inflammatory medication as well as lubrication.

After multiple check ups and weeks of treatment Pancakes ulcer never seemed to completely heal. An indolent ulcer, also known as a non-healing corneal ulcer despite medical treatment may require more aggressive therapy such as a Grid Keratotomy to promote healing and restore ocular health.

Pancakes’ owner decided to go ahead with the Grid Keratotomy treatment. A Grid Keratotomy is where grid-like pattern of superficial incisions are purposefully made on the surface of the eye. These incisions help to stimulate healing and encourage proper adhesion of the corneal layers, facilitating the closure of the ulcer.

On the left is a picture of what her ulcer looked like before the procedure. If you look very closely you may be able to appreciate the yellow staining in the middle of the eye. On the right is a picture of what her eye looked like 2 weeks after her surgery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a successful Grid Keratotomy done by Dr. Helen, Pancakes was able to go back to feeling comfortable with her two beautiful eyes. Here is a picture of Pancakes right before we got to take off her cone of shame for the last time.