Fixing a Dog's Eye that has a bad ulcer

Hey Everyone!
My name is Dan, and I am a veterinarian. Today and I talked about and showing us fix a none healing corneal ulcer in a dog.
A grid keratotomy is a surgical procedure used to treat certain corneal conditions in dogs, including deep corneal ulcers or non-healing corneal defects. Here’s an overview of what it involves:
Purpose: Grid keratotomy aims to promote healing of the cornea by creating a series of small incisions or cuts on its surface. These cuts disrupt the abnormal tissue patterns and stimulate the production of healthy tissue, aiding in the healing process.
Procedure: The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia to ensure the dog remains still and comfortable throughout. The veterinarian uses a surgical blade or laser to create a grid-like pattern of cuts on the surface of the cornea. The depth and spacing of the cuts may vary depending on the specific condition being treated.
Post-operative care: After the surgery, your veterinarian will prescribe medications such as antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection and promote healing. They may also recommend anti-inflammatory medications to reduce discomfort and swelling. It's crucial to follow the post-operative care instructions provided by your vet to ensure optimal healing and recovery.
Follow-up: Your veterinarian will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your dog's progress and assess the healing of the cornea. They may need to adjust medications or recommend additional treatments based on the response to the surgery.
Potential risks: As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks associated with grid keratotomy, including infection, excessive scarring, or recurrence of the corneal condition. However, when performed by a skilled veterinarian and combined with appropriate post-operative care, the procedure can significantly improve the outcome for dogs with certain corneal disorders.
It's important to discuss the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of grid keratotomy with your veterinarian to determine if it's the best option for your dog's specific condition.
Corneal ulcers in dogs can be quite concerning and uncomfortable for your furry friend. Here’s some information that might help:
Causes: Corneal ulcers in dogs can have various causes, including trauma (like scratches from foreign objects), infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal), dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), anatomical issues (like abnormal eyelashes or eyelids), or underlying conditions such as entropion (where the eyelid rolls inward) or distichiasis (extra eyelashes).
Symptoms: Watch out for signs like squinting, excessive tearing, redness in the eye, cloudiness or opacity of the cornea, pawing or rubbing at the eye, and sensitivity to light. Your dog might also show signs of discomfort or pain.
Diagnosis: A veterinarian will perform a thorough eye examination, which may include the use of special dyes to highlight the ulcer and check for its size and depth. They might also want to rule out underlying causes through blood tests or other diagnostic procedures.
Treatment: Treatment depends on the severity and cause of the ulcer. It might include topical antibiotics to prevent or treat infection, lubricating eye drops or ointments to promote healing and reduce discomfort, and in some cases, pain medication. In more severe cases or if the ulcer isn’t responding to treatment, your vet might consider procedures like corneal debridement (removing damaged tissue) or even surgery.
Prevention: Preventing corneal ulcers involves keeping your dog away from situations where eye trauma is likely, such as rough play or contact with sharp objects. Regular veterinary check-ups can also help catch underlying conditions early.
Remember, never try to treat your dog’s eye condition at home without consulting a veterinarian, as some medications or treatments meant for humans can be harmful to dogs' eyes.