Corneal Ulcers are usually the result of an injury, such as a scratch. When the surface of the eye is broken, it hurts and tears. The injury itself can be so small that you will not even be able to see it, unless light is cast upon it from the side or a special dye is used. Bacteria can cause the scratch to become infected, but in a healthy animal recovery with treatment is common.
TREATMENT
If the injury is deep or there is foreign matter stuck in the eye, obtain the assistance of your veterinarian. Under no circumstances treat the injury without advice from a professional. If foreign matter is stuck, it may be necessary to anaesthetize the animal to remove it. Superficial injuries do not bleed. If blood is present, suspect that there has been penetration into the internal structures of the eye and obtain professional help immediately. This type of injury can become serious.
The following recommendations are for treating slight irritations, shallow ulcers or non-infected scratches.
Increase the cod-liver oil in the diet to twice the usual amount until the eye is healed. Also, double the daily amount of vitamin E. Every 4 hours apply a drop of cod-liver oil directly onto the eye or in the lower lid. The oil has protective functions and the Vitamin A in it will stimulate healing. Instead of dropping the oil into the eye, you could use an infusion of herb eyebright. (a tea made from herb eyebright [Euphrasia officinalis] as an external eyewash. Pour a pint of boiling water over 1 ounce of the herb and steep for 20 minutes; strain, add 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt and use when cool.) When cool put 1 or 2 drops in the eye and gently wipe around the lid with a tissue or cloth dampened with the infusion. Treat 3 times a day.